Page 21 - AHATA

Thursday 19 OcTOber 2023 locAl
A10

Episode 69: Native Art

in to ceramic works. Local
or native Aruban art con-
sists of powerful cultural
symbols that reflect the
complexities of societies
and its spiritual connection
to their tribal cosmology.

Weburi is another very in-
teresting place situated
south of Piedra Plat`s Prot-
estant Church. This amaz-
ing site might be a bit
difficult to find since it re-
moteness, however, once
the entrance is located
and one has made it inside
the hollow rock bolder, the
mystical drawings are all
over the interior walls.

Today we can find many
native artists who are re-
This picture of Native Aruban rock art from Shabururi depicts over a dozen cotton tail rabbits representing children siting and discovering ancient tech-
following the teachings of a Shaman. This particular site lay at somewhat north–west of the town known today as Santa Cruz. nics that can be applied
in their contemporary na-
ORANJESTAD — The aboriginal inhabitants’ spiritual, envisioning the creative process a bear, walrus, eagle, or tive inspired work. This is
of the Americas art expressions had a dis- of their universe. This form of artistic ex- people. Some scientists an ideal and a very fine
trict cosmic vision compared to what the pression in the Americas has been prac- even believe that rock art way to keep these ancient
old world considered as art. Significantly ticed over hundred and even thousands represents ancient space techniques and methods
diverse is the inspiration that motivated of years. Most expressions were created travelers. alive and to incorporate
their expressions which in most cases was as symbols, such as rock art depicting cultural philosophies into
On the other hand Europe- these forms while working
an style of art was based with the same cultural ac-
on realism, on the belief countability, a philosophi-
that artists had to care- cal tenet that transcends
fully observe and depict chronology or material but
what they saw. European still allows their motive and
painters and artists were ambition to be shown.
also more inclined to be
recognized for their work. We would be enchanted
While aboriginal artists and to share our island knowl-
artisans were more inclined edge, considering the sta-
to share a message or to tus and value of Aruba’s
record a historic event. Na- archeological and rock
tive artists were very skilled formations sites, historical
in many trends, like gold natural monuments, is-
smith, ceramist, weavers, land’s endemic flora and
sculptors and architects. fauna. Advocating for a
Art in general in the Ameri- sustainable waste man-
cas before European colo- agement and mitigate the
nization demographic impact on
our natural environment
The earliest known paint- ecosystem in contrast with
ing in North America is the the calming effect of the
Cooper Bison Skull found surrounding ocean or per-
near Fort Supply, Oklaho- haps the priceless sound of
ma, dated to 10,200 BCE. silence.
In Aruba we can find over
300 early rock art expres- To get to know more re-
Some native artists take great pride in harvesting their own materials, such as clay, earth sions left behind by our garding Aruba and its
pigments, or vegetal fibers or dyes to color their weaving work, processing their work using origins, its animals, culture
traditional of tribal methods handed down through generations. ancestors. Some arts were etc. we highly recommend
made of stone and others
baked out of refined clay you to book your partici-
pation. Living our cultural
encounter session is mind
Article by: Etnia Nativa opening and entertaining
curious hearts for decades.
Whatsapp us +297 592 2702 and book Mail us at etnianativa03@
your Aruban exprerience gmail.com. Our facilities
Etnia Nativa is close to the high rise hotels and activities take place
close to your place. q