OUR PEOPLE
The cfab catchers remove the carnaúba straw and use it as a cord to tie the crabs, four at a time. They go out in groups, in the morning, in small boats, when the tide is low. They choose the swamp to work in, where they spend about six hours each time.
There are shallower swamps, where catching a crab can be done by reaching into the hole. In more difficult places a ‘cambito’ (square iron bar bent at the tip, about 1,5 mts length) is used. There are always dangers of snakes in the hole, sharp sticks hidden in the ground, trees that fall, wasps, bees , and the nuisancer of flies and mosquitos.
A curiosity: It is necessary to hide the crabs that are being caught because the prego monkeys will steal the cords (the crabs that are tied up) and take them away to eat at the top of the trees. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ The captured crabs are sold to a profiteer, who lives on the island. And he resells them to other profiteers in the town.