Hello readers, I hope you are all doing well. After a short winter break, Professor Luger’s ASTU 100 class is back and better than ever. Recently, we were asked to explore and research the Amazonia: Rights of nature exhibit, at the University of British Columbia’s (UBC) Museum of Anthropology (MOA). MOA’s Amazonia exhibit features “basketry, textiles, carvings, feather works and ceramics both of everyday and of ceremonial use, representing Indigenous, Maroon and white settler communities” (MOA website). This exhibit does not only showcase amazing artifacts, but continually works to provide its visitors a way to connect to these extraordinary Amazonian cultures.
One object that particularly stood out to me was a basket donated to MOA in 1960, which was made in the Ecuadorian rainforest. The basket is made of stem and cotton fiber and “each is woven in a herringbone pattern and have dark brown edges” (MOA website). Now, upon first impressions, I would have to admit that a basket, in itself, is not inherently interesting. However, the knowledge passed down from generation to generation in order to create this is extraordinary. The point which I am trying to emphasize is that the basket is representative of a certain culture. In that sense, it paints a story about the lives of the people, and depicts a unique way of life that differs from how most people today are used to living.
When Canada was being settled, the lands were essentially stolen from the First Nations people. It wasn’t until years later, that the Canadian people began to recognize that injustice. Therefore, at least at UBC, we acknowledge the First Nations people before each major meeting or event, and recognize that we are on “unceded land”. The museum states that people may find “unsuspected relationships between Vancouver and Amazonian peoples, ideas, and their struggles” (MOA website). The culture that MOA’s Amazonia exhibit is attempting to preserve is comparable to the culture that Vancouver and UBC are attempting to sustain and rebuild. Ultimately, it is the culture that creates a connection between us all, and that provides a link to the past and a guide to the future. I believe that Museums like the MOA should continue to put time and effort into these collections. By creating an interesting and interactive environment, people are provided an opportunity to learn about these various and complex cultures that they would otherwise not appreciate or know about.
http://collection-online.moa.ubc.ca/search/item?keywords=basket+amazonia&yearstart=&yearend=&row=0