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Our weekly episodes of Etnia Nativa serve as a platform for promoting the recognition and appreciation of Aruba’s cultural heritage, emphasizing the importance of reconnecting with the island’s unique roots and its ancestral spirit. During this episode we will share a bit of our archeological artistic connection as a constant presence, a glimpse into our native ethnicity.
Archeology in art is an interdisciplinary field that blends archeology and art history to understand human experience across time. It enables us to uncover not just the aesthetic value of ancient art but also its cultural, religious and social significance. Through the study of ancient artwork, we can learn about the civilizations that created them—what they valued, how they lived, and how they interacted with their surrounding world.
In archeology, art is not just seen as an aesthetic object but as a cultural testimony or artifact that can tell us about the people who created it. By analyzing works of art, archaeologists learn about the essence of a civilization’s values, what inspired their religious beliefs, technological advancements, and social structures.
The context in which a piece of art is found is crucial. For example, finding a painted or decorated vessel on a burial site can provide information not only about the object itself as such, but also details regarding the culture’s views on death, the afterlife, and the role of the deceased played in that particular society.
By studying the materials used to create art—such as wood, stone, bones, clay, or pigments—archaeologists can also infer technological developments and trade networks. One of the key aspects of archaeological art is to decipher and understand the iconography—the visual symbols and imagery—used in ancient art. These symbols can offer profound insights into the beliefs, values, and customs of a society.
For example, our native rock artists were often mystical healers, herbal blenders, and color creators, but probably because of his power to heal and commune with the supernatural, he inspired creativity in himself and in others. They were undoubtedly a continuation of the first surviving shaman who migrated through the Bering pass more than thirty thousand years ago, and in our native language, popularly known as “curanderos or curiosos” (**see “Island Insight” episode 269).
Art often played a significant role in rituals and religious ceremonies. Archaeologists often study artworks that were part of burial practices, temple effigies, or other sacred artifacts to obtain deeper insights into how ancient peoples interacted with their gods and the spiritual world. Also, art plays a key role in dating archaeological sites. Certain art styles, techniques, and iconography evolve over time, and by examining the characteristics of a particular piece of art, archaeologists can determine its age relative to other objects in the same or nearby contexts.
Art in archeology often requires careful preservation and restoration. Many ancient artworks are fragile and vulnerable to the elements, so archaeologists must use advanced methods to protect and restore them to gain a deeper understanding of their original form and meaning. Today, archaeologists use digital technologies like 3D modeling, laser scanning, and photogrammetry to digitally preserve artworks and create replicas for exhibitions or enable more detailed analysis without damaging the original pieces.
Archeology and art also intersect in how we interpret ancient artwork in contemporary contexts. How we understand symbols, styles, and techniques is often influenced by modern cultural norms.
If you enjoyed reading our stories and are interested in learning more regarding the true identity, we recommend you to book a visit to Etnia Nativa—the only “living museum of its kind in the Caribbean”—a fascinating choice, a trend setter since 1994 and co-founder of Aruba National Park, Archaeological Museum and Artisan Foundation among others. Etnia Nativa shares valuable knowledge and connects you to the ancient island’s spirit and soul. Whats App +297 592 2702 etnianativa03@gmail.com
