Cool Stuff 2!

While watching the videos on didgeridoo playing and aboriginal dances in class, I became very intrigued with the body paint I noticed many of the aborigines wearing. So, I searched the web to find an explanation of what the paint might signify, how it is applied, what it is made of, and who may wear it, and I found a website called “Artlandish“, which is the website for an aboriginal art gallery located in Kununurra, Western Australia. I found out that the specific designs used by the aboriginals are indicative of their relationships to their family group, social class, tribe, ancestors, and more! I also found out that use of colors varies between tribes and regions of Australia, and that clay mixed with animal fat (for longevity, as ceremonies may last for days) is often used as a color source. Color pairing is also something that is used often (pink with red, yellow with white, etc.), and feathers, leaves, other parts of plants, shells, and even teeth and scars are used as arm and leg ornaments. I also found out that women are not allowed to paint themselves, and only specific relatives may paint them. The body paint and ornaments tell a story of the individual wearing them, and their ancestors.

Another thing I found fascinating was the concept of the Andean street musicians playing all over the world. This kind of transnational migration is really unique, and a very good thing for more than one reason. It allows the Ecuadorian people who travel to perform to develop many new relationships and make themselves a living, while allowing those who listen to the music to experience something new outside their own culture, and recognize and respect the differences of people and their music. I wanted to hear some of what they do as it’s happening in all the different places, so I looked for a few videos. Below, there is a video of an Andean group performing in Times Square Station in New York City. Enjoy!

The group Chaskinakuy, who were featured in our textbook, also really interested me. After listening to the selection “Amor Imposible” from the book, I couldn’t help but want to hear more and learn about their story. I looked up their official website and went to the Biography page to discover more about this unique group. An incredible thing about one of the members, Edmond Badoux, is that he is a master craftsman, and actually made many of the instruments that he and Francy Vidal used as a duo. He is respected as a craftsman for his making of the Andean kenas, sikus, antaras, rondadores, bombos, wankaras, and redoblantes. I was very eager to hear some of their music aside from that in the textbook, so when I found songs off the same album as “Amor Imposible”, I was excited to listen. I’ve attached a selection called “Andina” from their album, “Cosecha”, below. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!