An exhibition of traditional Venezuelan handicrafts opened in Hanoi on July 8 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Viet Nam – Venezuela diplomatic relations.
More than 100 works on show include bags, baskets, toys, and jewellery made of various materials such as bone, stone, wood and fibre of Curagua, Bora and Moriche plants.
Through their creativity and talent, Venezuelan artisans brought life to raw materials, making them useful daily utensils and worshipping objects.
The exhibits were made by Venezuelan artisans from collectives nationwide, so visitors to the exhibition can explore the typical products of each area in the country, such as wool weaving in Merida, Tachira and Trujillo states, pottery in Lara state and stone sculpture in Bolivar state.
Venezuela’s crafts rose from the pre-Columbian period (the time preceding Christopher Columbus's voyages of 1492). The art of making handicraft products was much influenced by African and Western cultures after the Spanish conquest at the end of the 15th century.
The acquisition of non-native elements, in combination with longstanding traditional cultural identities, made the cultures of Venezuela diverse and complex, influenced by the many different peoples who have made Venezuela their home.
“I started weaving when I was five or six, as it is the daily work of my mother and my grandmother,” said Lilisbeth Aguilera, a Venezuelan artisan.
She said she was happy to attend this exhibition, which helps her introduce the diversified culture of Venezuela to Vietnamese friends.
Speaking at the opening, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MoCST), Huynh Vinh Ai said the exhibition provided a good chance for Vietnamese people to explore the land and culture of Venezuela, thus increasing understanding between the two peoples.
Venezuelan Ambassador to Viet Nam, Jorge Rondon Uzcategui expressed his thanks to Viet Nam’s MoCST for co-hosting the exhibition, which helped advertise the multi-ethnic and multicultural society of Venezuela. Venezuelan artists could also exchange experiences with their Vietnamese colleagues through the event, he added.
A workshop on Venezuela handicraft techniques is also scheduled on July 11 as part of the exhibition.
The display will run until July 14 at Viet Nam Exhibition Centre for Culture and Arts, 2 Hoa Lu street, Hai Ba Trung district.