These are ropes woven for tying purposes in different fields of work. The raw materials for these kinds of rope are obtained from shrub-like groups of trees which grow naturally within the forest of the Lamu Island. The traditional name for this kind of material is ‘marara’. The tree is also known as ‘mkoma’. The ‘marara’ are cut down from the main tree and then spread on the ground to dry for the whole day. In the evening after drying the leaves are collected and separated from the stalk of this plant which is rather thorny.

The leaves are later on prepared for different purposes such as: making ‘kizigo’ also known as ‘shupati’ format making of different types. The prepared leaves can as well be woven to make ‘usitu’ for weaving of traditional beds famously known as ‘kitanda cha usitu’.

The ropes are made from the outer parts of these leaves called ‘ng’ongo’.