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local Wednesday 15 January 2025

Native Art as spiritual expression Episode CCLXXXVI - 286

Discover the heart of Aruba like never before with Etnia the animal or the relationships between Together art, nature and culture: when
Nativa – a captivating journey where education merg- the creatures and humans. these three elements intersect, the results
es with revealing entertainment. “Etnia Nativa,” with its The connection between art, nature, and can be transformative. The fusion of envi-
name meaning “native ethnicity,” plays an essential role culture is pivotal for achieving deep, reso- ronmental sustainability with cultural prac-
in honoring and celebrating the rich traditions and cul- nant results in both the creation of art and tices enriches the meaning of each piece,
tural contributions of the Native Aruban people. its impact on the audience. This intersec- making it not just a visual creation but a
tion fosters a sense of responsibility, iden- reflection of a broader social and eco-
Native art was often created not just as an aesthetic pur- tity, and community, leading to works that logical message. This holistic approach
suit but as a way to understand, explain, and interact with speak not only to aesthetic beauty but invites the viewer to consider not only the
the natural world and the cosmos. The use of symbols, also to social, environmental, and cultural aesthetic appeal of the art, but also its
such as animals or celestial motifs, can be seen as a form consciousness. deeper significance in terms of ecological
of storytelling, connecting the artist, their community, responsibility and cultural heritage. By cre-
and the environment. Some believe that ancient rock art Nature is a profound source of inspiration, ating with nature in mind, artists encour-
even symbolized visions of space travelers, reflecting a but more importantly, it offers a wealth of age a deeper connection between the
deeper connection between indigenous cultures and the materials and processes that can shape viewer and the environment, fostering an
mysteries of the universe. This view of art was tied closely artistic works in sustainable and meaning- awareness of our collective responsibility
to spiritual beliefs, where artists were seen as intermediar- ful ways. By incorporating elements from to care for both our cultural heritage and
ies between the physical and spiritual worlds, rather than the natural world, artists can create works the planet we inhabit.
creators of purely personal or decorative work. that reflect the rhythms and cycles of na-
ture, as Etnia Nativa does with their use of In the case of Etnia Nativa, their work isn’t
The creation of art, in this sense, was not about individual- locally sourced clay. This approach en- just about creating beautiful objects but
ity or realism, as seen in European traditions, but about courages a more mindful use of resources, about sparking a conversation—a call to
sharing a collective vision. The focus was on embodying reducing waste and promoting environ- action—about how we live in harmony
the sacred or capturing important moments for the com- mental stewardship. The inherent quali- with the environment, how we preserve
munity, which is reflected in the way symbols and imag- ties of natural materials—texture, color, our cultural legacy, and how we can,
ery were used. For example, animal figures in rock art may form—can also add layers of meaning to through mindful artistic practices, contrib-
have had spiritual significance, representing qualities of the work, as they evoke the beauty and ute to a more sustainable and thoughtful
fragility of the Earth. future.q

Culture is the lens, through which we inter-
pret the world, and through art, we often If you liked our native stories and are in-
see the values, traditions, and history of terested in learning the true identity of
Aruba, a visit to Etnia Nativa would be
a community reflected. For Etnia Nativa, a fantastic choice. It has been a trend
using pre-Columbian techniques to craft setter since 1994, as a co-founder of proj-
their clay works helps preserve and honor ects such as Arikok National Park, the Ar-
Aruba’s heritage while reinforcing a sense chaeological Museum, and the Artisan
of local identity. Culture shapes the way Foundation, among others. Every week,
art communicates, from the symbols used this newspaper continues to share its
to the stories told, and it can be a vehicle valuable knowledge. Don’t miss the op-
for cultural preservation and revitaliza- portunity to feel the island’s spirit through
tion, particularly in the face of globaliza- learning real stories that are not just re-
tion. This artistic engagement with culture membered; they resonate, they’re felt,
can also challenge and reframe societal and they stir souls. Book your visit: What-
norms, urging collective reflection on the sApp +297 592 2702 etnianativa03@
way we live and interact with the world. gmail.com