The Irving K. Barber Learning Centre and the Consulado General de México en Vancouver are pleased to bring to UBC campus this unique exhibition from Yucatán, México as part of the city’s celebration of Mexico Fest 2014. Located in Southeastern Mexico, on the north part of the Yucatán Peninsula, Yucatán is bordered by the states of Campeche to the southwest, Quintana Roo to the southeast and the Gulf of Mexico lies off its north coast.
In Yucatan there are more than 150,000 people who in one form or another make their living from Arts and Crafts mostly by participating in their production or comercialization. In a population of 1,900,000 inhabitants, we are looking at almost 8% of the population being dependant on Arts and Crafts. Aside from their economic contribution, this promotes and maintains local culture.
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For the Department for Visual Arts of the Ministry for Culture and Yucatan Arts, this exhibition represents an opportunity to share and spread the important work of the Yucatan artisans. Arts and Crafts, embroidery, goldsmithing and wood carving are cultural expressions that significantly contribute to the cultural identity of the people of Yucatan. There is nothing more emblematic about this state than the “hipil” (dress), a “terno” (three piece suit) or woven hammock. The study of these objects helps us better understand the history of Yucatan, its natural resources and above all; the different habits and traditions that make up the everyday lives of these people.
For more information about this exhibition, please contact Allan Cho, Community Engagement Librarian at the UBC Library’s Irving K. Barber Learning Centre.