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Our hidden island treasure Episode CCLI - 251
Each week, Island Insight shares with you a story tives, extending their social function curious visitors to experience ancestral
of Aruba through the eyes of Etnia Nativa, a native beyond safeguarding the past and insular knowledge acquired through
venue that welcomes curious visitors to an island ex- promoting inspiring and meaningful time, studies, and research data. This,
perience far beyond their usual expectations and experiences. on its part, encourages the transmis-
connects each one with the mystical aspects of the Since 1994, in Aruba, a hidden native sion of the island’s cultural traditions,
island, its native culture, and its colonial heritage. In cabinet of curiosities, known as Etnia giving it all a deeper understanding
this episode and from that educational glance, we Nativa, has contributed inmencely and appreciation of how Aruba’s his-
share intriguing curiosities concerning museums and to the island’s cultural tourism, both tory is intertwined with colonial cus-
collectors. behind the mainstream media and tums inside a particular environment
by welcoming exclusive visitors. This is that creates a visitor’s connecting
Museums emerged in the Renaissance period with done through the staging and presen- point with the past towards and into
the so-called cabinets of curiosities, which were pri- tation of objects, story telling, artworks, the present. Etnia Nativa shares ap-
vate collections that housed a wide variety of ob- texts, images,a large botanical gar- preciation for the island’s heritage and
jects, including natural specimens, scientific instru- den, and many more that create a vi- breaks away from traditional exhibition
ments, artwork, cultural items, and diverse artifacts, brant and immersive experience for its models by actively engaging visitors
among others. visitors and for its followers on the me- in direct communication. Even before
dia. “In situ,” as they journey through they enter the building, it signals visitors
These collections, often assembled by scholars, scien- each space, different scenarios invite that they are about to embark on a
tists, and wealthy individuals who sought to acquire different interactions with objects and journey of discovery and learning.
knowledge about the natural world, represented the artworks on permanent exhibition. Al- The owner, director, and curator of
early integration of science and technological devel- though the duration of the visit may be this unique museum is a multi-talent-
opment. limited, the impact of the experience ed individual renowned for his skills as
As scientific knowledge expanded and diversified, is such that it becomes a memorable an engraver, ceramic artist, maver-
specialized museums began to emerge, and each and unique event. By sharing its pri- ick anthropologist, intensive collector,
museum represented the particular collection that vate exhibitions, the museum narrates and newspapers columnist. His artistic
shared the interests and advancements of its particu- the authentic history of the island, go- practices involve a captivating fusion
lar era and country. In addition to their function as re- ing beyond the surface level and delv- of native imagery and indigenous de-
positories of scientific knowledge, museums have in- ing into the depth and richness of its sign, often expressed through simple
creasingly embraced an interactive and educational cultural heritage presentation with the geometric “glyphs” that poignantly
role while maintaining a continuous evolution. same passion and knowledge as it reflect people’s relationship with the
It’s fascinating to see how, over time, museums have does weekly through our newspaper. environment. By weaving indigenous
transformed and adapted to new roles and perspec- The content of its exhibitions motivates techniques and spiritual teachings into
his innovative work, the aim is to honor
and preserve the island’s cultural heri-
tage as well as its traditions.
Connect in this newspaper to “our”
hidden island treasure, a.k.a., cabinet
of curiosities, through “Island Insight,”
its weekly cultural blog, and marvel
at how it represents the particular
thoughts, interests, and advance-
ments of our island nation. In addition
to serving as repositories of scientific
knowledge, this native place and its
select collections play an interactive
and educational role in constant cre-
ation.
Etnia Nativa is a tribute to Aruba’s rich
history and cultural heritage, involving
a beautiful property made only with
reused materials and guided tours by
the owner, whose native roots date
back to 1640. Visitors enjoy a diverse
array of artworks, objects, artifacts, dis-
sected animals, plants, historical colo-
nial furniture, and many more that you
won’t see anywhere else, proving the
untold history of an Aruba yet to be dis-
covered.
Visits are only by appoinmment Whats
App +297 592 2702 etnianativa03@
gmail.comq
