Any mention of the word “authenticity” makes the hair on the back of any folklorist’s neck stand up. It is a term fraught with difficulties and misunderstandings. Part of the apprehension derives from the fact that academic experts have for too long claimed the right to declare what or who is “authentic” or not. The history of anthropology tells us …
Archives for August 2014
Art Illuminates Faith
An artist’s rare gift is to see beauty and make it visible -- instilling the essence of his or her subject into a work of art. How apparent this is in the emblematic relationship of sacred art to faith, as it reveals wisdom and teachings, symbolism and inspiration. Such is the art of John Alan Warford, who has partnered with the Roman …
Culinary Connections, Comfort and Culture
Food is a universal facilitator in festivals -- Certainly, the multi-ethnic feasting in Tucson “Eat” Yourself” is proof of how much pleasure comes when differences are transcended through food. Priscilla Mendenhall, founder of Dishes & Stories (a refugee and immigrant women’s culinary enterprise incubated by Tucson Meet Yourself), coordinates …
Authentic and Ancient Sounds
Skilled artisans use several kinds of woods in making the bağlama, the main stringed instrument of Turkish folk music. Folklore tells us that strolling minstrels once used the bağlama to unite music, literature and social narratives in rhythmic folk melodies. Intending to pass along the beauty of the bağlama to future generations is Ismail …
How Does Your Garden Grow?
Since the community and Friends of Tucson Birthplace united in 2011 to save the Mission Garden, an authentic garden has been crafted, seeded with orchards of figs, pomegranates, apricots, quince and other genetic descendants of heirloom trees. Today Mission Garden honors the indigenous garden styles and local landscapes that instill a connection …
Record Rod: Tales of Truth Enscribed
How do various cultures view time? Record books or ledgers may not be the only form of documentation: Some used knotted or beaded calendar strings, others used spiraling drawings on animal hides or a form of sundial. For the Tohono O’odham and other Native American nations, important events were often inscribed on calendar sticks maintained and …