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Thursday 23 November 2023 locAl
A10

Episode LXXVI - 76 The native element of culture

ORANJESTAD — Culture is the result of
the raw material available, a heritage
backpack of wisdom, technology,
creativity and the desire to improve
on a personal level.

Each native culture is different, there-
fore for the Romans, the Germanic
people were barbarians. The Saxons
considered the Vikings who ravaged
their shores demons, while Christians
and Muslims accused each other of
being animals while fighting their holy
wars. History shows that human be-
ings have an irrational fear for those
they consider different and different
beliefs or ways of life often become
obstacles to seeking a common un-
derstanding and coexistence. When
we consider the American continent,
from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego we
will be amazed of how many differ-
ent native cultures we encounter that
structured their economy on hunt-
ing and agriculture, deeply relating,
coexisting with their natural environ-
ment for their survival and with their
spiritual relationship of all things.

Within this context, we know that
the vocabulary of all indigenous
languages lacks a word that means
“religion": their beliefs and spirituality
were so intrinsically linked to every-
thing that they did on a daily basis
(be it economic, political, artistic,
etc.) that a term was not necessary
to designate to it.

There is no common culture among
all Amerindian tribes and there is no
common religion however their ani-
mistic expression and ceremonies are thermore, the spiritual leaders of the some abusers to take advantage of selves of experiencing the
one in spirit with the natural way of tribe (mistakenly called by the white the knowledge of many tribes, since spirit of a real vision or to
life of the Pacha. There are no sacred "shamans") were believed to be ca- before oral tradition could be part of live an ancestral experi-
texts or a mythology that all tribes pable of communicating with the the Intellectual Property Law, some ence.
believe in. However, in the particular spirit world. American companies had used and
mythology of each tribe there is al- patented medicinal and botanical Symbolism, folk rites, and
ways a Great Spirit, the great creator Although writing systems existed be- knowledge obtained by indigenous tribal customs are a native
of all things or god. There is also the fore the arrival of the colonists, a very people to gain economic benefit way of being grateful, cel-
belief that the earth's natural resourc- few indigenous tribes did put their by becoming the true authors of the ebrate life and be ready
es could be applied, however if this history, beliefs or wisdom in writing. discovery or cure. For those to whom for defending it against
is in ones benefit something should Culture was transmitted orally from native cultures seem to be something thieves of land, language,
be given in exchange for that. Fur- generation to generation. This has led strange, they will only deprive them- cultural identity and spiritu-
ality as there are still men-
aces to nature and this
fading way of life.

To get to know more re-
garding Aruba’s and its ori-
gins, its animals culture etc.,
we highly recommend you
to book your participation.
Living our cultural encoun-
ter session is mind opening
Article by: Etnia Nativa and entertaining curious
hearts for decades. Mail

Whatsapp us +297 592 2702 and book us at etnianativa03@gmail.
com. Our facilities
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