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Wednesday 21 June 2023 locAl
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Island Cabinet of Curiosities
Through its weekly episodes, Island Insight offers edu-
cational content that sheds light on various aspects of
the island’s heritage. By sharing this knowledge, the
platform encourages readers to engage with Aruba’s
unique cultural landscape and gain a more authentic
island state of mind.
During this episode we want to refer to the origins of
museums that can be traced back to the cabinets
of curiosity, also known as Wunderkammer, which
emerged during the Renaissance period. These were
private collections that housed a wide variety of ob-
jects, including natural specimens, scientific instru- ancestral knowledge and is a place
ments, artwork, and cultural artifacts. These collec- where individuals with diverse interests
tions were often assembled by scholars, scientists,
and wealthy individuals who sought to acquire knowl-
edge about the natural world. Cabinets of curiosity
were the precursors to modern museums and repre-
sented the early integration of scientific and cultural
objects.
The Age of Enlightenment witnessed the establish-
ment of public museums and scientific institutions as
part of the broader movement to promote educa-
tion and intellectual development. Museums played
a crucial role in the process of collecting, classifying,
and categorizing natural specimens and them served
as repositories of scientific specimens, allowing re- it becomes a memorable and unique
searchers to compare and analyze them to gain in-
sights into the natural world. As scientific knowledge
expanded and diversified, specialized museums be-
gan to emerge and each museum represented the
particular thoughts, interests, and advancements of
its era and country. In addition to their function as re- its cultural heritage.
positories of scientific knowledge, museums have in-
creasingly embraced an interactive and educational
role and are in continuing evolution.
It’s fascinating to see how museums have trans-
formed and adapted to new roles and perspectives
over time to extend their social function beyond safe-
guarding the past and as it sought to promote inspir-
ing and meaningful experiences for visitors.
In the context of Aruba from 1994, a private museum
called Etnia Nativa took the initiative to contribute to
the island’s cultural tourism while introduce research
through compelling exhibits and offers dynamic ed-
Episode CCXI - 211
ucational programs, conveying im- It signals to visitors that they are about
portant heritage messages alongside to embark on a journey of discovery
and learning, inviting them to actively
participate in the museum experience
can find answers to their intellectual, rather than being passive recipients of
social, and entertainment needs. information.
The staging and presentation of ob- The owner, director, and guide of this
jects, art, texts, images, and other re- unique museum, is a multi-talented in-
sources within the museum create a dividual renowned for their skills as an
vibrant and immersive experience. engraver, clay artist, amateur anthro-
As they journey through each space, pologist and newspapers columnist.
they encounter different scenarios Their artistic practice involves a cap-
that invite interaction with the exhibit- tivating fusion of native imagery and
ed objects and artworks. Although the indigenous design, often expressed
duration of the visit may be limited, the through simple geometric “glyphs”
impact of the experience is such that that poignantly reflects people’s re-
lationship with the environment. By
event for the visitor. By sharing private weaving indigenous techniques and
exhibitions, the museum aims to nar- spiritual teachings into their work, they
rate the authentic history of the island, aim to honor and preserve cultural tra-
going beyond the surface level and ditions.
delving into the depth and richness of
Etnia Nativa sounds like an incred-
The content of the exhibitions moti- ible cabinet of curiosities for plunged
vates to share the ancestral knowl- oneself in the rich history and cultural
edge they have acquired through the heritage of Aruba. The combination of
museum experience. This act of shar- a beautiful property, guided tours by
ing becomes an integral part of the the owner, and a diverse array of art-
museum’s mission, as it encourages works, objects, artifacts, and historical
the transmission of cultural traditions furniture dating back to 1640 creates a
and fosters a deeper understanding captivating experience for visitors. The
and appreciation of the island’s his- owner’s firsthand explanations and in-
tory. By combining engaging presen- sights add a personal touch, enriching
tation techniques, meaningful objects the experience and fostering a con-
and artworks, and a focus on authen- nection with the island’s history.
tic storytelling, Etnia Nativa creates an
environment where visitors can con- Moreover, a visit to Etnia Nativa con-
nect with the past, gain insights into tributes to the conservation efforts of
the present, and carry the experiences Aruba. By supporting this local initia-
forward as they continue to explore tive, visitors actively participate in the
and share their newfound knowledge preservation of this fragile travel desti-
and appreciation for the island’s heri- nation.
tage.
The unique insular museum breaks To arrange a visit, interested individuals
away from traditional exhibition mod- can reach out to Etnia Nativa through
els by actively engaging visitors in di- email at etnianativa03@gmail.com or
rect communication even before they via WhatsApp (no calls) at +297 592
enter the building. By doing so, it sets 2702. This allows for personalized com-
the stage for an immersive, education- munication and ensures a smooth
al and participatory experience right planning process for a truly memora-
from the start. ble and educational experience.q