Indigenous Cultural Extravaganza comes to an end

Sep 06, 2016 News

The Indigenous Cultural Extravaganza, Food and Craft Exhibition ended shortly after midnight on Sunday. The well-liked event featured intricate handcraft, indigenous art, food and beverages from various Amerindian

A Wai-wai group performs a traditional dance.

communities across Guyana.
Dexter Glasgow, Management Development Officer in the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs was in charge of coordinating the Cultural Extravaganza at the village. The aim of the Extravaganza he noted was to familiarise “our Guyanese brothers and sisters” with our culture and way of life.
Speaking to this publication, he pointed out that while some Guyanese have an uninformed perception of Amerindians, he hoped that the cultural presentations would have given persons a more in-depth look into the lives and customs of Amerindians in Guyana.
There were performances by groups hailing from seven different regions across Guyana. The performances were in the form of indigenous dances, songs and poetry by groups from various communities
The groups were made up of teenagers and elders who all gave energetic performances to the delight of the audience.
This year’s Indigenous Heritage month theme, ‘Our Culture, Earth’s Future, Save the Environment, Live the Indigenous Way” was amply demonstrated through the craft on display as many of the pieces were made from Tibisiri from the Itae Palm, Greenheart, Dukali, Purpleheart, and a number of beads and shells.

A pair of Arecuna boys in their traditional wear.

One Indigenous sculptor, Foster Simon proudly displayed his pieces which he said was an embodiment of his ancestral and cultural heritage, each piece he pointed out held a cultural meaning.
While several women had their colourful Tibisiri hats, placemats, bags, hammocks and indigenous jewellery displayed, others had dishes and beverages on sale.
The main concern expressed by the craftspeople was a lack of market for their products during the year. Several persons maintained that Heritage Month is usually the highlight of the year as their craft and products would usually sell more rapidly.
Other celebrations slated for Heritage Month are the Indigenous Heritage Art Exhibition at Castellani House on September 10; Schools Educational Tours at Phillipai; Educational Lectures at various schools in Georgetown during September 13-15; Indigenous Games at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) ground, Heritage Sports Days on September 17-18, the celebration of notable Amerindian men and women on September 26, before ending the month with the Annual Fundraising Dinner at the Sophia Exhibition Centre on September 30.

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