Preparing pandanus leaves for weaving mats

There’s quite a process involved in preparing pandanus leaves to be used in weaving mats. One of the steps is to dry them out thoroughly and I got involved in doing that.

After drying flat for a day, we dry them rolled up so that they will be flexible and not brittle when completely dry. We roll them up and flick them out so that they stay rolled but more of the leaf sees the sun.

Here I am rolling the leaf up:

About to flick the leaf out:

The leaf has come out but is still wound up. You can see the ones I have already done on the ground as well as the ones that are still waiting to be done.