Part of a SAQA KS/MO/OK Regional Exhibition, called ‘living-language-land’ Inspired. Inspired by the living-language-land.org project, UK, 26 words, contributed by minority &
endangered language holders around the world, reflecting on their relationship to land and nature. Participants created a piece of fiber art inspired by one of the words.
Word: Tamposati: Those born in the Rio Tambo.
Origin: Asháninka, Junín Region, Peruvian Amazon.
Artist Statement: The word Tamposati, from the Asháninka language, translates to “those born in the Tambo River, guardians and caretakers of our nature.” These are people of the Peruvian Amazon. I believe this word was part of the living-language-land project because of a great desire to preserve their language and cultural richness. I visited Peru and the Amazon in 2009 on a guided tour. I found the local people we met during the trip to be very interested in educating us with their love of nature. It affected me and I wanted to honor that with this piece.