  
Master Siapo maker Mary Jewett Pritchard was born in 1905 to Felesita and Joseph Jewett. Mary is considered by many to be the force that brought Siapo back from the brink of extinction. Mary grew up with Siapo all around her. In 1927 she started a very successful business exporting other artists' Siapo. Her business not only exposed thousands of people around the world to Siapo, it also provided a significant financial incentive for Siapo artists to continue creating and teaching the craft. Mary did not create her own first piece until 1929. Mary continued to create and export thousands of Siapo until World War II. Shipping restrictions ended the booming export business, however, the impact Mary had made was formidable. Mary continued to create and teach Siapo until her death in 1992. Her efforts and contribtutions will never be forgotton.
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