Benches of the Brazilian Indigenous Peoples

Finished

Benches made from single pieces of wood by the indigenous people of the Amazon and Xingu River Basins in northern Brazil are carved into the shapes of animals or functional forms with distinctive geometric patterns and can be viewed as unique sculptural works of art. Benches were originally used in the daily lives of indigenous people, as well as for special occasions such as shamanistic ceremonies or weddings and were linked to their lives, traditions, and original mythology as cultural and social symbols within their communities. Today, they are inspired by connections from outside those communities, producing even more diverse and free expression as they pursue their own identities with an eye toward nature, unfettered by function or tradition. This exhibition introduces about 90 benches from the BEĨ Collection produced by indigenous people and explores the rich imagination of humankind.

Schedule

Apr 6 (Sat) 2019-May 19 (Sun) 2019