Exhibition stands host souvenirs and collectables - Clip Ltd
24 Jul 2009
A range of antique and contemporary collectibles from around the world could feature on
exhibition stands as part of an event planned in the South of England.
Writing for the Guardian, Ruth Gidley noted that the Token Values event by the Devon Guild of Craftsmen will display a number of multicultural souvenirs borrowed from the Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM) in Exeter.
Alongside international works such as Peruvian beetle earrings and jewellery bands from nomads in Oman will appear local craft works from around the West Country that utilise ceramics, basket-making skills and textiles in an homage to the original artists, she stated.
Is is hoped the exhibition, which is on show until August 30th, will celebrate a mix of cultures and have a positive effect on the population of Devon, according to RAMM''s ethnographic curator, Tony Eccles.
He said: "Locally, identity has changed a lot, but culture is nothing to fear. We need to celebrate our similarities."
The difference between art and craft is often purely subjective, Mr Eccles added, with a number of objects on display reflecting different values and religions.
"People from other places look at insects and plants in a different way," he remarked. "There''s a deep connection between the landscape and the people. It''s not just physical, it''s a very deep spiritual thing."
Some of the other works that appear include two munas - 19th century clay rain god figurines - as well as Guatemalan huipils, a form of blouse, which can often take at least four or five months to make.
Refurbished in 2004, the Devon Guild of Craftsmen is the biggest modern crafts facility in south-west England.
