In Tiverton, Indigenous Venezuelan Artists Bring Rare Baskets for Sale

TIVERTON, RI—A chance to buy finely crafted handmade baskets and other crafts directly from Venezuelan artists will happen right here in Tiverton this weekend.

Women representing the Warao, Ye'kwana and Wayuu indigenous people of Venezuela will be at the Four Corners Art Center for the 16th annual Cultural Survival Annual Festival of Native Arts.

"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," according to a news release.

The Warao people live "among the complex maze" of islands and riverways in the Orinoco River Delta and inaccessibility has kept them isolated and struggling to get basic necessities like decent health care. But a rich heritage of understanding their local resources includes the traditional and sophisticated techniques to weave fine bags and baskets from the local Moriche Palm.

Where: Tiverton Four Corners Art Center, 3852 Main Road, Tiverton, RI 02878.

When: July 30-31, 2016, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

What: Baskets, jewelry, crafts and art for sale. Live music. Free admission. Rain or shine. Free parking. Website.

From Cultural Survival:

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."

Photo courtesy: Cultural Bazaars via Facebook