Page 16 - HOH_Neat

a5
local Wednesday 29 January 2025

Archeology in Art Episode CCLXXXVIII - 288

Our weekly episodes of Etnia Nativa serve as a platform gists often study artworks that were part of
for promoting the recognition and appreciation of Aru- burial practices, temple effigies, or other
ba’s cultural heritage, emphasizing the importance of sacred artifacts to obtain deeper insights
reconnecting with the island’s unique roots and its ances- into how ancient peoples interacted with
tral spirit. During this episode we will share a bit of our ar- their gods and the spiritual world. Also, art
cheological artistic connection as a constant presence, plays a key role in dating archaeological
a glimpse into our native ethnicity. sites. Certain art styles, techniques, and
iconography evolve over time, and by ex-
Archeology in art is an interdisciplinary field that blends amining the characteristics of a particular
archeology and art history to understand human experi- piece of art, archaeologists can deter-
ence across time. It enables us to uncover not just the mine its age relative to other objects in the
aesthetic value of ancient art but also its cultural, religious same or nearby contexts.
and social significance. Through the study of ancient art- Art in archeology often requires careful
work, we can learn about the civilizations that created preservation and restoration. Many an-
them—what they valued, how they lived, and how they cient artworks are fragile and vulnerable
interacted with their surrounding world. to the elements, so archaeologists must
use advanced methods to protect and re-
In archeology, art is not just seen as an aesthetic object store them to gain a deeper understand-
but as a cultural testimony or artifact that can tell us ing of their original form and meaning. To-
about the people who created it. By analyzing works of day, archaeologists use digital technolo-
art, archaeologists learn about the essence of a civiliza- By studying the materials used to create gies like 3D modeling, laser scanning, and
tion’s values, what inspired their religious beliefs, techno- art—such as wood, stone, bones, clay, photogrammetry to digitally preserve art-
logical advancements, and social structures. or pigments—archaeologists can also works and create replicas for exhibitions
The context in which a piece of art is found is crucial. infer technological developments and or enable more detailed analysis without
For example, finding a painted or decorated vessel on trade networks. One of the key aspects damaging the original pieces.
a burial site can provide information not only about the of archaeological art is to decipher and Archeology and art also intersect in how
object itself as such, but also details regarding the cul- understand the iconography—the visual we interpret ancient artwork in contem-
ture’s views on death, the afterlife, and the role of the symbols and imagery—used in ancient porary contexts. How we understand sym-
deceased played in that particular society. art. These symbols can offer profound in- bols, styles, and techniques is often influ-
sights into the beliefs, values, and customs enced by modern cultural norms.q
of a society.
For example, our native rock artists were
often mystical healers, herbal blenders, If you enjoyed reading our stories and
and color creators, but probably because are interested in learning more regard-
of his power to heal and commune with ing the true identity, we recommend
the supernatural, he inspired creativity in you to book a visit to Etnia Nativa—the
himself and in others. They were undoubt- only “living museum of its kind in the
edly a continuation of the first surviving Caribbean”—a fascinating choice, a
shaman who migrated through the Bering trend setter since 1994 and co-founder
pass more than thirty thousand years ago, of Aruba National Park, Archaeological
Museum and Artisan Foundation among
and in our native language, popularly others. Etnia Nativa shares valuable
known as “curanderos or curiosos” (**see knowledge and connects you to the an-
“Island Insight” episode 269). cient island’s spirit and soul. Whats App
Art often played a significant role in ritu- +297 592 2702 etnianativa03@gmail.com
als and religious ceremonies. Archaeolo-