The magic in the Yanomami life world is the central theme of this exhibition. The Yanomami are considered the largest indigenous people in South America which still live mainly in a traditional manner. They live spread over an area the size of Belgium. Through Claudia Andujar's poetic photographs, over 1000 decorative feather constructions, handicrafts, light and sound, an atmosphere of the rain forest is evoked in the Ethnographic museum.
Shamans play a central role in Yanomami culture. Their knowledge and activities holds the universe together and makes sure that life in the rain forest continues. Many shamans died as a result of invasions and epidemics since the 1970’s The Yanomami say that if shamanism disappears, it will be the demise of the entire world. According to Yanomami mythology, the sky is ancient and already full of holes. It is therefore extremely important that shamans are allowed to continue their work to hold this fragile construction together.
The exhibition is a collaboration between the Norwegian Rain Forest Foundation and the University Ethnographic Museum, with financial support from NORAD. Lars Løvold, the director of the Rain Forest Foundation, is responsible for the content of the exhibition.
About the exhibition
Exhibition at the Ethnographic museum, Oslo, 4. november 1999 - 13. august 2000. All days 12:00-15:00, closed mondays, free admission.
