• 7 years ago
• Posted in:Uncategorized
• 0
• Author: nicholas zimmer

The Amazonian exhibition at the UBC Museum of Anthropology features basketry, textiles, carvings, feather works and ceramics found in the Amazon. These items not only represent the culture and customs of the indigenous people of the Amazon, but those of the white settlers. This exhibition covers more than 100 years of the relationship found between Vancouver and the Amazonian peoples, ideas, and their struggles; a testament to the University of British Columbia’s goal and reputation of respecting Native Americans.

The title of the exhibition is Amazonia: The rights of Nature departs. The rights of nature stems, according to the Museum of Anthropologies website, from a social philosophy in which the concept of a good life proposes a holistic approach to development that intertwines notions of unity, equality, dignity, reciprocity, social and gender equality. The concept pairs with the value systems intrinsic to Indigenous South American cultures, and serves as a push to move beyond Western ideals and practices of development. The collection’s items include basketry, pottery, headdresses composed of feathers and jewelry. These beautiful pieces display the artistry of the Amazonian people and gives us insight into their culture.

I chose to look at the hammocks seen inside the museum and how they relate to my culture. Coming from a beach community in San Diego, relaxation was a big part of my culture. Hammocks are mainly associated as something people use to take naps while on vacations, but for me they are a reminder of where I came from, especially in an environment so different from home. However, this not only reminds me of the culture I experience in Southern California, but that of my Spanish heritage. Taking a European history class in high school I learned that the Spanish observed the use of hammocks by natives of the Caribbean islands and are attributed to their spread across their colonies, one of the reasons they are present in San Diego. It is hard to understand how such a simple weaved net was able to connect me to such an important part of my personal identity and heritage. Most students would see the hammocks and think, ” Wow I would love to take a nap right now,” but to me it represents a positive culture influence my people had on those living in the Amazon. Although the museum mostly focuses on the creations of the indigenous people of the Amazon, the hammocks are a representation of the western colonization and expansion in that part of the world. The hammocks are much more than a comfortable place to sleep, rather a reflection on how I have been influenced by my Spanish heritage and how Iberian culture has affected those living in the countries that the Amazon is found in.

Works cited

http://moa.ubc.ca/portfolio_page/amazonia/