tales from the ancestral realms

Tales from the ancestral realms is a transformative social artistic project dedicated to preserving and revitalizing the rich cultural heritage of Colombia’s Indigenous communities. Through a deep respect for their unique worldviews and traditions, this project seeks to document and amplify their stories in their own voices, ensuring that their narratives are shared authentically and meaningfully.

Objective

The project aims to capture and restore the memories of Colombia’s original peoples, honoring their cosmologies and traditions as told by the Indigenous communities themselves. We are committed to avoiding cultural extractivism by ensuring that these stories are not interpreted or told from external perspectives. Instead, Indigenous voices will narrate their histories, myths, and legends, with our role limited to supporting and facilitating this process.

Approach

Audio Memory Pieces: We will create recordings featuring stories narrated by community members, presented in a storytelling format rather than as interviews or reports. This format respects the traditional storytelling methods and ensures that the narratives are presented as they are naturally conveyed by the storytellers.

Audio Stories and Dramas: We will produce audio dramas that adapt and bring to life the myths, legends, and traditions of various Indigenous communities. These adaptations will be crafted with care, involving actors and scripts to convey the essence of these stories while preserving their cultural integrity.

Goals

Recognition and Autonomy: By showcasing these stories globally, we aim to affirm the presence and resilience of Indigenous peoples, countering the systemic marginalization they have faced since colonization.

Cultural Preservation: We strive to preserve these invaluable cultural narratives for future generations, ensuring that they remain vibrant and accessible.

Through this project, we seek to honor the rich heritage of Colombia’s Indigenous peoples, providing a platform for their voices to be heard and celebrated on their own terms.