An exhibit of African handicrafts opened last Saturday at the mall next to Shangri-La’s Far Eastern Plaza Hotel in Taipei, with the goal of promoting understanding of African cultures.
“Fascinating Africa: Handicraft Expo 2009” runs though Sunday and was organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as part of its efforts to increase knowledge in Taiwan about the continent.
The ministry said it hoped the exhibition would lead to commercial opportunities between Taiwanese and African companies and enhance economic and trade relations, as one of the government’s policies was to promote “economic and trade diplomacy.”
Burkina Faso Minister of Culture, Tourism and Communications Filippe Savadogo was one of several representatives and dignitaries to attend an opening ceremony, which featured a performance of Western African music by the Ensemble Musical des Amis.
“Culture knows no borders,” Savadogo said. “I believe this exhibition will allow you to better understand the talent, tastes, abilities and lifestyles of Africans.”
Swazi Ambassador Njabuliso Gwebu, chairperson of the Africa Group of Ambassadors and Representatives in Taiwan, expressed hope that the handicrafts on exhibit would win the appreciation of Taiwanese.
The expo features more than 2,000 handicrafts, including traditional musical instruments, batik, wooden and bronze sculptures from Burkina Faso, Gambia, Sao Tome and Principe, Swaziland, South Africa, Nigeria and Libya.
In conjunction with the exhibit, classes in hair-braiding, drumming and face-painting are also being offered.
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