I took this photo during a maipa oil mashing session in Toemaipa, Suriname on March 2, 2009. Toemaipa is known for its plentiful maipa palm trees, the fruits of which the locals eat and then use the seeds to make cooking oil. The seeds in this photo have been shelled and are awaiting the mashing process. Hand-made calabash bowls, and tropical bird feathers adorn the ceramic and aluminum holding bowls. The process is laborious, yet an incredible social event for the Saramaccan people.