By Miranda LaRose
Saturday, August 10th was a red letter day for the relatively newly-formed Nine Nations
Group as they successfully staged a much larger exhibition and fashion show – Imaginations II – than they did last year, under the theme ‘Ina eseru’ (our traditions in the Akawaio language) at the Black Magenta in Georgetown.
The one-day activity marked International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples observed globally on 9th August and featured an exhibition of authentic indigenous foods, beverages, art, craft, music and dance during the daylight hours and a fashion show in the evening. Stabroek Weekend observed that both events, of which two of the main sponsors were Gold Target Export and Guyana Tourism Authority, were well-attended.
Face-painting and tattoos are part of Indigenous cultures and they were prominent in the make-up of the apparel along with stylish necklaces and earrings made of beads and seeds to complement the flamboyant feathered headdresses and colourful hand-painted cotton fabric. Among the audience was former vice president and former minister of Indigenous Peoples Affairs Sydney Allicock who noted that featuring their “powerful heritage” brought a lot of value to the First Peoples of Guyana. The occasion was filled with “happiness and joy”, emotions that are much needed, he said.