Straw & Palm Weaving
Handwoven hats, baskets, handbags, mats, ornaments and decorative pieces.
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.
Explore the collectionOur 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
Coconut Creations
Expressive art crafted from coconut shells, fibres and island-found materials.
Native Boat Heritage
Scale models inspired by authentic Bahamian boat-building traditions.
Custom Works
Original pieces created for gifts, hospitality spaces, events and collectors.
Heritage profile
A Craftsman Weaving Culture Into Fine Art
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, the conversation and the 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
Gallery
Art, craft and cultural memory
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
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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