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Freeport, The Bahamas

Authentically Bahamian
made by hand

Living craft, island heritage and one-of-a-kind creations shaped from straw, coconut, wood and imagination.

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Discover Freeport · Grand Bahama

It's Better in The Bahamas — For Real!

KOKOLOCO Bahamas tourism poster featuring a joyful Bahamian craftsman, a sunset beach, and traditional Bahamian arts and crafts

KOKOLOCO Arts & Crafts · Authentically Bahamian

Our story

Craftsmanship that carries culture forward

KOKOLOCO is a cultural arts and crafts brand based in Freeport, Bahamas, dedicated to authentically Bahamian handmade work. Rooted in heritage and driven by creativity, every piece reflects the resourcefulness, rhythm and character of island life.

Founded around the work of artisan Arthur Russell, KOKOLOCO preserves traditional knowledge while transforming natural island materials into memorable art, gifts and cultural experiences.

What we make

A collection shaped by the islands

KOKOLOCO straw and palm weaving

Straw & Palm Weaving

Handwoven hats, baskets, handbags, mats, ornaments and decorative pieces.

KOKOLOCO coconut shell creations

Coconut Creations

Expressive art crafted from coconut shells, fibres and island-found materials.

Traditional Bahamian sloop and native boat heritage

Native Boat Heritage

Scale models inspired by authentic Bahamian boat-building traditions.

KOKOLOCO custom handcrafted works

Custom Works

Original pieces created for gifts, hospitality spaces, events and collectors.

Arthur Russell and KOKOLOCO Bahamian craftwork

Heritage profile

A Craftsman Weaving Culture Into Fine Art

By Deby Nash · First published November 1, 2001

At Port Lucaya Marketplace, a straw mobile with tiny hummingbird-like figures introduced visitors to a kind of craftsmanship they had never seen before. Later, coconut-frond sun hats hanging above Cowboy’s Restaurant brought the same delight to a young visitor preparing to fly home.

Arthur Russell was born in Lowe Sound, Andros—an island prized for its straw work. Inspired by his father’s boat-building knowledge, he also began creating scaled-down models of authentic Bahamian boats.

“Everything I do now is either a dying art, or something no one else is doing.”

He creates hats, baskets, handbags, purses, place mats, bowls, cupholders, ornaments and animals—often while talking with visitors and allowing the piece to take shape naturally. No two works are the same.

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Arthur learned palm weaving by watching another craftsperson and then practising for weeks. He returned, watched again and continued until he mastered the method. In the beginning his only tool was a pocket knife.

At Port Lucaya and nearby beaches, visitors could watch a hat emerge from one or two coconut leaves. The art, conversation and cultural exchange became one experience.

Born in AndrosRooted in straw-working heritage
Made in FreeportCreated by hand in Grand Bahama
One of a kindNo two pieces alike

Island heritage

Connected to Bahamian film history

Arthur Russell also participated as a background performer during filming associated with Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest in The Bahamas, adding another layer to KOKOLOCO’s pirate-inspired art and Grand Bahama storytelling.

PIRATE
HERITAGE

Contact KOKOLOCO

Bring home a real piece of The Bahamas

Ask about available pieces, custom commissions, cultural displays, wholesale opportunities or international shipping.

Emailkokolocobahamas@gmail.com

LocationFreeport, Grand Bahama

Websitekokolocobahamas.com

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