Georgetown : Prime Minister Samuel Hinds joined Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthonyjoined in the unveiling of a mural, depicting the masquerade tradition, on display in the compound of the National Museum. The mural which was designed and produced by the students of the Burrowes School of Art seeks to stand out as a constant reminder that masquerading is a part of Guyanese heritage.
Dr. Frank Anthony explained that the ‘Masquerade Lives’ symposium which is on-going stemmed from a partnership with the Guyana Cultural Association of New York.
He pointed out that there are many dimensions to the symposium, and while there are some intellectual presentations that give a perspective on the historical aspect of masquerade, there are also sessions which look at the art forms involved such as the music, rhythm, dance and costume making.
Minister Anthony emphasised that the mural represents the lasting value of masquerade which originated in the days of slavery and even beyond that. Masquerade has been going on in Africa for centuries and that tradition and practice was brought to Guyana by the Africans.
The Minister pointed out that in Guyana, masquerade has developed its own unique blend and form, and in this regard the Ministry is pleased that over the centuries the art form has been preserved.
President of the Guyana Cultural Association of New York Incorporated, Dr. Vibert Cambridge noted that the organisation serves to preserve, promote and propagate Guyana’s cultural heritage and creativity. He explained that each year a particular topic is decided on, and coincidentally Margaret Lawrence, a member of the group, had produced a film called ‘Tradition’ which spoke to the notion of masquerade as one of Guyana’s national heritage traditions.
Dr. Cambridge acknowledged that the organisation has for the past 10 years been collaborating and partnering with the Ministry of Culture in a range of activities such as the Guyana Folk Festival. Due to this partnership it was deemed appropriate that focus be placed on masquerade during the season when it is most popular – Christmas.
The programme which centers on heritage brings together scholars from around the world to speak, not only on Guyana’s masquerade history, but to also explore how it is connected to Guyana’s root culture. During the symposium some African roots were discovered such as Acan, Ashanti, Yoruba and bits from the Congo and East African traditions.
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