Rare Natural Fiber Baskets From Venezuelan Artisans to Tiverton Craft Fair: Three Venezuelan Indigenous groups represented a

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Jess Cherofsky, 617-441-5400 x 15, jess@cs.org

Rare Natural Fiber Baskets From Venezuelan Artisans to Tiverton Craft Fair:

Three Venezuelan Indigenous groups represented at global celebration

Tiverton, RI (May 2016) - On Saturday, July 30 and Sunday, July 31 from 10am-5pm, Tivertonians and tourists will have the chance to see and buy exquisite handmade baskets and other crafts made by women representing three of Venezuela’s Indigenous Peoples: the Warao, Ye’kwana and Wayuu peoples. Employing unique, age-old methods, the artisans use naturally derived materials to weave vibrant, colorful and one-of-a kind baskets, bags, necklaces and bracelets. hanks to the Venezuela-based organization, Tierra Viva, and its first American importer, the baskets will be available,at Cultural Survival’s 16th annual festival of Native arts, held at the Four Corners Art Center.

The Warao People live among the complex maze of islands and riverways that make up the Orinoco River delta in Eastern Venezuela. A 2008 article from the New York Times mentions that the inaccessibility of the Warao’s land, makes many basic necessities of survival, such as decent health care, difficult to attain and support from the government is fleeting. However, using sophisticated techniques from a unique understanding of natural resources passed down through generations, the artisans derive fiber from the local Moriche Palm leaves to weave fine bags and baskets.

The Ye’kwana People are native to the densest and most remote parts of the Venezuelan rainforest around the Caura River basin. According to Tierra Viva, the Ye’kwana crafts, “come from an area under increasing threat from illegal mining, political instability and overall deteriorating security conditions,” which makes their baskets increasingly rare. The Ye’kwana weave beautifully designed baskets from the natural plants of their land. Just to sell their items in Venezuela, Ye’kwana community members must take a multi-day journey through rivers and dense forest.

Living out in the arid desert region of the Guajira peninsula near the Colombian border, the Wayuu have long forged an existence in the face of nature’s harshness. Using recycled materials combined with plants and seeds, the Wayuu women weave intricate bracelets and other jewelry.

With help from organizations like Tierra Viva and Cultural Survival, the proceeds from sale of these communities’ products help provide financial support crucial for the medicinal and livelihood needs of the communities.

Since 1982, Cultural Survival Bazaars have provided a market for thousands of Indigenous artists and cooperatives spanning six continents and over sixty countries. Each year the Bazaars generate about half a million dollars for Indigenous artists, performers, and projects. Cultural Survival, an international NGO based in Cambridge, MA, advocates for Indigenous Peoples' rights and supports Indigenous communities’ self-determination, cultures and political resilience.

Bazaar attendees can munch on Indian tacos made by Mashpee Wampanoag Chef Sherry Pocknett of Sly Fox’s Den while listening to Spirit Wind and other Indigenous musicians and shopping for one-of-a-kind art, jewelry, clothing, and more. One attendee has said, "It's like a trip around the world's bazaars."

Event information:
Tiverton Four Corners Art Center
July 30-31, 2016

3852 Main Rd.

Tiverton, RI 02878
10am to 5pm

Free Admission
Rain or Shine
For more information visit: bazaar.cs.org
Free parking
Native Wampanoag food stand!

PICTURES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

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