courtesy of: The Morning News
Executive staff of the Museo Arqueologico Nacional Aruba (MANA) the national archeological institution located in downtown Oranjestad, announced that during renovations to the temporary exhibit area, the management of Renaissance Resort and shopping mall have enthusiastically agreed to host a new exhibit in their main concourse.
The subject of the exposition, Aruban creativity born from necessity, past, present and future, is titled “O Aruba Nos Baranca tan Stima,” — “O Aruba-Our Beloved Rock,” is based on the chorus of the island’s national anthem. Museum Head Curator Arminda Ruiz explained to local media that faced with the dilemma of needing to close of part of the museum for some months, they were quite gratified to find an enthusiastic response from Meta Corp CEO Eduardo de Veer to the suggestion the shopping mall house this informative exhibition. “We must particularly express our gratitude to Eduardo for his immediate and constant support and encouragement for this project: he was a very positive influence on the outcome.”
The exhibit is a collaborative effort by museum staff members Margarita Wever and Archeologist Harold Kelly, NOW Advertising and Graphic Design, which produced the logo and banners of which the exhibit is comprised, and international award-winning Aruban artist Ryan Maduro, who has designed and constructed the display for the single actual artifact, the symbolic rock. Finelaine Tromp, leader of the MANA Youth, provided input from island youngsters to assist in creating a presentation with appeal to all age groups.
The distinctive piece of green volcanic rock, basalt, which is the centerpiece of the show, is judged to be the oldest mineral formation on the island, between 90 to 95 millions years old. It was found during a dig in 1997; archeologists feel its unique properties forced the Amerindians that had migrated to Aruba to adapt to using this particular rock when making their tools. Thus the theme of creativity and adaptability in advancing culture on Aruba: the exhibit will carry this theme through history from Pre-Ceramic times to present, and reflect on the future, as well.
Opening night for “O Aruba-Nos Baranca tan Stima” is Wednesday May 18, and the exhibit will be on display during regular mall hours seven days a week, until November.
