Accessories from all corners of the world

MAYAN FLAVOUR: Porirua artist Beverley Francis stands with her jewellery and fabric constructions, left, and a wall hanging by Brigit Howitt, which are part of Pataka Museum's New Festival Season show, Living in a Material World.

Porirua jewellers and weavers have travelled the world - in their imagination at least - to produce a body of art inspired by many countries to mark the Wellington International Festival of the Arts at Pataka Museum of Arts and Cultures.

Exhibition co-ordinator Kylie Fyfe said the show, Living in a Material World, complements the West African arts and crafts exhibition also running at Pataka.

About 20 local artists responded to the brief to reflect the art and culture of Germany, Samoa, India, China, Afghanistan, Myanmar, Japan, Denmark, England, Indonesia, the United States, Singapore, Guatemala and New Zealand. Some of the artists worked together. Local weaver Brigit Howitt and jeweller Beverley Francis teamed up to tackle the vibrant and colourful Central American culture of the Mayan people of present-day Guatemala.

Mayan civilisation once covered much of the region from Mexico to Belize, but Guatemala is considered by many to be its cradle.

Howitt was taken with the renaissance of Mayan culture today after nearly a half century of civil wars and persecution.

"The backstrap loom is found in many ancient cultures but to the Mayan women backstrap weaving is a symbol of life."

Francis joined Howitt after the project began, and says she did what a person who works in a library would do.

"I went straight to the bookshelf to research a culture I was unfamiliar with. I was awed by the richness and vibrant use of colour."

Her chased (textured) copper jewellery pieces echo a recurring theme in Mayan sculpture, temple carvings and art  the circle, or disc.

"As I learned more of the ancient history it saddened me to realise the riches and depth of culture from the past that had been lost."

The exhibition runs until March 21.

- Kapi-Mana News

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