Embera Beading is an ancestral way of beading practiced by the Embera Chami tribe in Colombia for more than 300 years. They traditionally used seeds and rocks until glass beads were introduced by European colonial travellers. The tribe then explored with the colours and shapes of these new materials, and started creating magnificent artworks speaking of their connection with nature, their source of life.
The workshop uses thread and needle, and numerical combinations to create patterns of colourful tiny beads. This workshop teaches how to apply this technique to create earrings, bracelets and rings with patterns such as flowers and waterfalls. The session will begin with a guided meditation accompanied by a live gaita (a traditional reed flute from Colombia). The workshop will also include insights and information about different views of life that promote harmony with the natural environment. All materials (including looms and beads) included.
The workshop is delivered by Ana Maria Parada, a commited art-ivist with a profound passion for indigenous affairs. Ana also has a degree in Political Sciences, specialising in research around indigenous connections to land and environmental sustainability. She is the founder of Mami Watta Collections, which she sources from groups of artisans from across the globe, establishing long-lasting connections with families to support their craft-making and provide them with tools to help them to continue to protect their precious cultures. Through Mami Watta Collections she supports the sustainable development of the artisans and showcases the technical and ancestral artisanship of the crafts.
Saturday, March 28, 1:30-4:30pm
SPAN Community House Thornbury
64 Clyde Street, Thornbury
Tickets $55 from trybooking.com/BIRSB (including all materials)
