Support and promote the arts of rainforest communities for the survival of their cultures, and their rainforest home
The aims of Shiram Art are two-fold; firstly, to help preserve and restore the cultural identity and ancestral knowledge of rainforest communities. Secondly, to help them protect and conserve the rainforest through sustainable artisanal production.
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This artisanal trade will provide sustainable income to the artisans and their families, allowing them to pass on their skills to their children, which will in turn help them keep their traditions alive.
We collaborate with individual artisans and associations of artisans, so that each product can be traced back to its origin. Our goal is to work with these artisans to further develop their trade through the profits we receive.
Our support would include helping to set up and develop artisanal workshops, so that the artisans can teach their craftsmanship to the wider community.
We are also looking to start and support nature conservation and reforestation projects run by the artisans and their communities. On some occasions, we will run specific campaigns depending on the needs of the communities.
Many of these communities are threatened by extractive industries and deforestation, but this artisanal trade helps them to resist these pressures through economic empowerment and sustainable use of rainforest resources. By virtue of sustainable harvesting techniques, the artisans celebrate nature, and help it flourish.
The art itself carries a story and a message that teaches younger generations about their own traditional culture, which is deeply rooted in a harmonious relationship with nature. The designs and pictures on the art objects are inspired by endemic plant and animal species, and an everyday life in the community that is very closely linked to nature.
The techniques often date to pre-Hispanic times and have been passed on through countless generations. They have been based on an in-depth knowledge and practice of nature conservation, so as not to deplete natural resources. In our times, this knowledge is critical as we need eco-friendly alternatives to our existing means of production.
If you would like to know more details about our mission, and how individual communities benefit, please get in touch at [email protected]
