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Monday 15 april 2024 LOCAL
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Article by: Etnia Nativa

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Shells are not for souvenirs Episode CXVIII- 118

We know that the massive indus- iting social distinction or status. It that is believed still to be perfo-
try devastates marine life and its had its incessant demand when it rated. Many “button” as Aruban’s
habitat worldwide. At least 50,000 came to the hand and quality of calls these shell beads since their
mollusk species inhabit the Earth. experienced craftsmen to supply similarity to a button. Many were
Whereas some shells are harvest- these social outfits. These artistic rescued during salvage archaeo-
ed for their meat, others like the creations worked perfectly as a logical excavations in Santa Cruz,
chambered nautilus, known for its medal of bravery for a warrior as a Aruba. Santa Cruz was a highly or-
beautiful, coiled multi-colored pro- token of appreciation or as a tired ganized settlement and important
tective casings are collected sole- nized for the elaboration of all kinds magic totem, a “counter” to ward town during Aruba’s Ceramic Pe-
ly for decorative purposes. of unimaginable artifacts and as a off omens and bad spells. riod. There is even an area in Sta.
useful ingredients and a variety of Cruz called “Boton” because of
Currently marine protected areas purposes for ancient Arubans. Others had to promote healing the many shell buttons that were
vary in type and range from wild- and spread cleansing powers. found in that area.
life refuges to research facilities. Tribal artisans were highly regard- However, as a symbol of political
Within these areas, human activity ed artists and handymen of a status and valued as a trade item. To get to know more over Aruba’s
is restricted for conservation pur- people. Some were able to trans- Strombus shells were on many oc- and its origins, its animals and cul-
poses to protect natural as much fer spiritual powers in their work, casions the basic material used in ture, we highly recommend you to
as cultural resources, Today it is through prayers or blessings. Sur- the manufacture of the so-called book your visit for our renowned
prohibited by law to take shells or vival and culture go hand in hand Quiripa. Having one or more holes cultural encounter session has
anything made with or out shells of and the artisan uses everything and some cases a semi-drilled hole been entertaining curious partici-
the island. However this was not al- he can put into his hands. Tribal pants for decades. Mail us at et-
ways the case since many marine royalties, objects, ornaments, war nianativa03@gmail.com or What-
shells were used to make rhythms, and hunting equipment, etc. They sApp 297 592 2702 to confirm your
body decoration, tools and weap- had their physical purpose, as well participation. Our facilities and ac-
ons since the existence of man, as a symbolic and spiritual con- tivities take place close to high rise
raw marine materials were scruti- nection value. The goal of exhib- hotels.

Lessons from our elders

Plants and fruits for medicinal use

(Oranjestad)—Though western Arrowroot and drinking it. You can also make
medicine is now widely used for Arrowroot is native to tropical eggplant juice to help purify your
common illnesses and to keep our America and can be sold as a pow- blood. However, do make sure to
bodies healthy and happy, it is still der or whole. It is said that you can drink slowly; let it mix with your spit
very common in every household take arrowroot powder and make and then swallow.
in Aruba (and around the world) to a “shalup” (porridge) for stomach
have staple home remedies that pain or when you’re feeling weak. Eggplant kataplan* can also be
is passed on through generations. You can make it with milk too, but used to treat skin tumors, abscesses
Here are some tips that our elders it is advised to best use just water. and hemorrhoids. Eggplant kata-
have passed on to us over the You can also add prunes for a bit plan can also be used externally to
years. body. Clean the skin thoroughly of sweetness. Arrowroot shalup is treat arthritis.
and make tea or warapa* with it. also good to treat an unhealthy
Pineapple It is said that this tea can also be gut or for diarrhea. *warapa: term referring to a wa-
Pineapple has more uses than top- drank after an operation on the ter and sugar solution, a.k.a simple
ping it on your Christmas ham. Ac- ovaries or uterus. This gets rid of ir- To make arrowroot shalup, boil a bit syrup.
cording to elders, the skin of a pine- ritation and inflammation. of water and add one tablespoon *kataplan: porridge-like mixture
apple is great to use to refresh your of arrowroot powder and stir con- used externally for wounds or parts
When the fruit is unripe and green, tinuously until you reach porridge of the body that are painful or
this can be used to stimulate consistency. If you make a shalup swollen.
menstruation flow in women. This with milk, add a pinch of salt. Raw
also stimulates the passing kidney arrowroot powder can be used to
stones. When ripe, the fruit can be powder babies.
used for poisoning in the gut and
can help treat rheumatic diseases, Eggplant/Aubergine
like arthritis. Eggplants, or aubergines, are easy

to find in supermarkets around the
However, breastfeeding women world and can be grown all year
who cannot produce much milk round on the island. Related to po-
are advised not to consume too tato and tomato, eggplants are
pineapple, and people with acid good to calm nerves. It can also be
reflux are recommended to not used to lower blood pressure, by
consume any pineapple at all. steeping its leaves in boiled water