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One of my favorite fairs held in Haiti every year is, Artisanat en
Fete. Why do I like it better than the other number of arts and craft
fairs? Artisanat en Fete is really about the artisans.
Organizers of the event, take care to allow a broad spectrum of artisans. This fair is not about the boutique owners, or those who hire artisans, but about the Mom and Pops, the skilled artists whose talents were passed down from generation and who pour their heart and soul into each item made.
Organizers of the event, take care to allow a broad spectrum of artisans. This fair is not about the boutique owners, or those who hire artisans, but about the Mom and Pops, the skilled artists whose talents were passed down from generation and who pour their heart and soul into each item made.
This year, once again, Artisanat En Fete
was held at the sprawling historical Parc de la Canne a sucre. As usual,
there was a large turn-out, though many vendors remarked attendance was lower
than the prior year. I know that on Sunday, when I attended the event,
the streets were relatively calm, perhaps due to the many rumors
of possible manifestations set for that day.
Vendors from all over Haiti's 10
Departments gather to display, sell, and share their beautiful and creative
hand-crafted #MadeInHaiti works of art.
There were
many hand-made goods and treats to satisfy even the pickiest shopper.
One thing that was quite obvious was the
repetitiveness in some of the works. Several stalls showed many of the
same and "typical" Haitian art; i.e. leather sandals, wooden Neg Maron, bracelets with Haiti carved in them in almost
identical fonts. At the same time, there were things such
as a room divider made of palm leaves, baby dolls made of yarn. Items
that were totally unique but yet familiar, because they were made by Haitian
hands. The cultural nods were all too evident. It would be my hope
that more events of this nature would be established, not only to showcase but
also to re-enforce and encourage the artisan's own voice.
By Mystique
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