‘A labour of love’ for the kite maker
A veteran kite maker has added some Bermudian flair to a Hamilton retailer in time for Good Friday.
Joe Bento, 69, has been making traditional Bermudian kites since his childhood.
In the early 1970s, he made a large kite for display in the lobby of the Hamilton Princess, and he taught his children, Aimee and Matthew, the art when they were young.
He used to host kite parties at his home, too.
But the craftsman said it has “been a while” since he last made traditional Bermudian kites with colourful tissue paper, white pine sticks, school white glue and string.
Mr Bento made a small kite for display in the Easter-themed window at the Waterfront Man store on Front Street, where Aimee works as a buyer’s assistant.
He followed up by making full-size kites for sale in the store. At midday on Wednesday, just four remained for sale.
Mr Bento said: “I had a keen interest in kite making when I was young. I bumped into a mate of mine, recently. He had a fascination for kites like I did and it was like going back to my childhood.”
He said kite making is “a labour of love”, adding that it takes three hours to make a “large roundie”.
Daughter Aimee said: “We wanted to showcase authentic Bermudian culture from our store. They give us a little Bermudian flair, and especially at this time of year with Good Friday coming soon.”
The kites range in price from $45 to $75, depending on the size.
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