Arts, craft and Indigenous cuisine are taking centre stage at the Amerindian Heritage Month exhibition at the Exhibition Centre Sophia, providing all Guyanese with an opportunity to experience and celebrate the rich traditions of the country’s First Peoples.
The exhibition is among a number of activities being held throughout September as Guyana observes Amerindian Heritage Month, creating a platform for Indigenous artisans, entrepreneurs and producers to showcase their talents, products and culture.
Among the exhibitors is Danesh Camacho of Hummingbird Products, who is offering a variety of locally produced sauces and other products, along with Indigenous-inspired cuisine.
Camacho said the celebrations provide an important opportunity for persons, particularly those living in Georgetown and other coastal communities, to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of Indigenous heritage.
“When September comes around, a lot of the Georgetown population would have an opportunity to partake in Indigenous cuisines, buy the crafts and partake in Indigenous culture that they wouldn’t normally get access to,” he explained.
He noted that the exhibition also helps to stimulate Indigenous economies by creating markets for entrepreneurs and opening opportunities for business partnerships.
Meanwhile, Indigenous craftswoman Morna Ferreira is displaying a variety of handcrafted items made from tibisiri, including jewellery boxes, placemats and fruit bowls.
Ferreira, has been participating in exhibitions for about twenty years, she explained that her craft has played an important role in supporting her family.
As a single parent of five children, she said the income earned from producing and selling her crafts helped her to raise her children and provide for their needs.
She encouraged Guyanese to support Indigenous artisans and use the exhibition as an opportunity to learn more about Amerindian culture.
“Come out, you could see different things, you could learn from it as well,” Ferreira encouraged.
The exhibition is also providing opportunities for other Indigenous artisans to display their creativity.
Cheryl, an exhibitor from the Mouraikubai community, is showcasing a range of handmade items, including headdresses, earrings, outfits and other craft pieces.
She said she was happy to be part of the Heritage Month celebrations and encouraged Guyanese to support the exhibitors throughout the observance.
Another exhibitor, Don Calbert, is using the occasion to showcase traditional Indigenous items, including fish traps, baskets, jewellery and other handcrafted pieces.
He said the exhibition gives Indigenous peoples an opportunity to proudly display their culture and traditions while interacting with fellow Guyanese and members of Indigenous communities.
The Heritage Month activities are not only helping to preserve and promote Guyana’s Indigenous traditions but are also creating valuable economic opportunities for artisans, entrepreneurs and producers.
Through initiatives such as the exhibition, Guyanese are being encouraged to experience the country’s rich cultural diversity while supporting Indigenous businesses and the preservation of traditional knowledge and skills.
Amerindian Heritage Month celebrations will continue until September 30, with several activities planned, including an Amerindian Heritage Dinner, school tours and an Amerindian Heritage Safari.
The month-long observance continues to provide a platform for Guyana’s First Peoples to celebrate, preserve and showcase their unique culture, traditions, talents and significant contributions to national development.