The use of thatch as a roof covering stretches back to the first settlements on the Cayman
Islands hundreds of years ago.
Although this visually appealing material has fallen out of mainstream favour, its aesthetic is still employed in contemporary cultural settings, homes that give a nod to the islands’ heritage, as well as outdoor buildings such as cabanas.
Made from the leaves of Cayman’ national tree – the silver thatch palm – the roofing is renowned for its watertight qualities as well as salt-tolerance and shade from the scorching Caribbean sun.
The thatch is applied on the roof in layers, by hand, in a method passed down through generations of Caymanian artisans.
Silver thatch was a vital part of Cayman’s economy in days gone by when it was also used to weave rope, which was exported, as well as making footwear known as wompers, sunhats and bags.
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