Artist preserves Garifuna culture through crafts
The House of Culture in Belize City continues to promote the work of local artists and performers. The latest exhibition, which opened last night, showcases exquisite, handmade Garifuna crafts that are sure to liven up any room in your home or office.
Jacqueline Woods, Reporting
Mercy Sabal may not be a popular household name but the art pieces she creates from fabric are very much a part of the décor in many homes. And these quilts, wall hangers, and dolls are more than just decorations to the artist. According to Sabal, the work is her way of trying to preserve one of the country?s cultures: the Garifuna language; which the forty-nine year old artist says she was inspired to learn over three decades ago.
Mercy Sabal, Artist
?I heard music by Dolores Gibson and during that time it was long-play records. I took my time and I played it and I listened to the words and I write it. Then I go find somebody that can tell me what it means. Then when you know the meaning of the word, you can put your zest in it because you understand it and that?s how I started speaking Garifuna.?
Seven years later after she learnt the language Sabal?s father died, but she says that just before he said goodbye he gave her an important message that has kept her motivated throughout her adult life and kept her father?s memory alive.
Mercy Sabal
?My father died when I was twenty-four, but I had the chance to have a conversation with him in Garifuna and he was not surprised. He said it is best for me because of the price I paid to learn it. I will either keep it or let it down.?
For the next twenty years, Sabal dedicated her time to promote the Garifuna culture and language the only way she knows best. Today she is proud to present her fourth exhibition titled ?Simply Textiles.?
Sabal says it is unfortunate that the youths she has tried to help seem more interested in making money than learning about their own culture.
Mercy Sabal
?They see dollars in front of their eyesights, so they are not interested. I?ve been trying for so long to form a group and it still cannot work. So I decided then that the next best thing for me to do is to put my concentration in my family.?
Today, Sabal invites the public to view her pieces that are on display at the House of Culture.
The exhibition is on display in gallery two at the House of Culture and runs until July twenty-third. The items, which are for sale, can be viewed on Mondays to Fridays from nine a.m. to four p.m.
