MAKIYKUMANTA

July 13 - July 18
10:00 am-5:30 pm

Potomac Atrium
National Museum of the American Indian
4th & Independence Ave, SW Washington, DC

PERU– Arts and Cultural Legacy

Tuesday, July 13 through Sunday, July 18, 2010

10am-5:30pm, Potomac Atrium, National Museum of the American Indian, Washington, DC

Native Peruvian art is among America's finest. It is expressed through music, dance, food, architecture, paintings, sculpture, carving, textiles, crafts in silver and others. Craftsmanship, in its variety of forms and styles, is the inheritance of thousands of years of Peruvian cultures. Ancient art and traditions are kept alive through generations and have inspired many artists over the entire geographic extension of Peru. Ceramics, silver jewelry, imagery, textiles woven from animal or vegetable fibers, sculpture, wood carving, stone and leather and paintings make up the principle expressions of popular art forms. Makiykumanta, (Quechua for “from our hands”) presents a week of Peruvian legacy with over 20 indigenous artisans presenting to the visitors the identity of Peru. This event will be a great opportunity to appreciate their splendid creations and take a souvenir with you.

Makiykumanta is designed to build an interaction with the audience as it also features the celebration of culture with live music and dances, films, conferences, and Peruvian gastronomy so the visitor can explore the rich history and the legacy of the Land of the Incas, and appreciate the dazzling performances from the amazing variety of the different regions of Peru showcased by each area’s colorful, authentic attire. Performances will feature interactive elements with the visitors.

Welcoming by HE Luis M. Valdivieso
Ambassador of Peru to the United States of America

Makiykumanta, the most colorful expression of the Peruvian cultural diversity, will visit Washington DC from July 13-18, 2010. It will bring together 22 world class handcrafters directly from Peru to share their outstanding textiles, ceramic, jewelery, carved gourds, silver work and many others works. There will be lectures and workshops by Peruvian master crafters on textiles, ceramics and carved gourds, artistic recreations of ancient Peruvian civilizations, photo exhibitions and expert guidance on how to enjoy experimental rural tourism opportunities in Peru as well as newly registered archeological sites. During the 6-day event you will be able to taste traditional Peruvian food and enjoy live traditional music and dances. Join us for happy hour too, 4:30 - 5:30, for Pisco Sours. Looking forward to seeing you there!
Luis M. Valdivieso,
Ambassador of Peru

Welcoming by Mr. Kevin Gover
Director of the National Museum of the American Indian

Since the summer of 2006, the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian has hosted more than 15 Native Peoples communities from the U.S. and Canada, and five Latin American countries at its annual Indian Summer Showcase. In celebration of our Fifth Anniversary, Indian Summer Showcase 2010: 5 Years and Still Hot!, the Museum is proud to join the Embassy of Peru in presenting: Makiykumanta. The National Museum of the American Indian welcomes the Quechua, Aymara, and Shipibo Conibo and the many other communities from Peru that make that country one of the most culturally enriched nations in the world.
Kevin Gover (Pawnee), Director,
Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian.