Milagro, one of the pieces on display at the exhibit. Photo courtesy of Vivian & Jaime Liebana Collection
Luminescence: The Silver of Peru is a first-of-its-kind exhibition at The Museum of Anthropology at UBC. The exhibit, presented this fall, combines Latin American history and contemporary art.
According to the exhibition’s organizers, Luminescence: the Silver of Peru traces the long history of silverwork and the fascination with the metal’s divine and luminescent qualities.
Anatomy of an Angel. Photo courtesy of Jorge Perez
“One can only imagine the incredible impact that gleaming, polished silver must have had in pre-Columbian Peru,” says Anthony Shelton, curator of the exhibition. “Garbed in the precious metal, radiating and reflecting the harsh desert light, the Incans and their predecessors would have appeared as deities.”
Elaborating on the historical prevalence and meaning of silver during that time, Shelton says it was used everywhere. “Silver and gold were sewn into banners, paintings, costumes and even wrapping paper.” Furthermore, he says that in pre-Columbian era, warriors, rulers, and priests wore silver during ceremonies, so its luminescence would define their source of authority as coming from the power of the moon and sun.
Mining is still an important industry within Peru, which is the second largest producer of silver and copper in Latin America. The Peruvian government privatized its domestic mining 20 years ago, subsequently attracting over 100 companies such as the Pan American Silver Corporation – a publicly traded Canadian mining company, and one of the major sponsors of this exhibition.
Shelton describes the country’s Patronato Plata del Peru, a not-for-profit agency that promotes both ancestral and modern silversmith traditions in response to the decline of Peruvian artisanal silver work.
“The Patronato initiated the National Silver Contests which were judged by experts to increase the interest of high quality silver, and to spread the word within catalogues and exhibitions,” he says.
One can learn more about the Patronato and other fascinating topics featured in the exhibition, including a new line of alpaca clothing and accessories crafted by Peruvian artisans. Lectures, dialogues and exhibits will be held to cover topics such as the role of luminescence in Peruvian art and ceremony, current affairs in Peru, the political economy of mining and. Shelton’s discussion on the research required to develop this particular exhibition.
According to the 2006 Canadian Census, there are approximately 2,000 Peruvians living in Metro Vancouver. When asked if there will be a historical display on the miners and how they lived and worked throughout the centuries, Shelton says that although the Spaniards exploited the miners starting in the 16th century, the exhibition is not be focusing on the subject. He also expects there to be a general audience interested due to the diversity of the exhibits.
A number of jewellery boutiques in Vancouver were asked where their silver was imported from, with the majority stating Italy. Thailand and Mexico followed closely behind.
“I don’t import Peruvian silver, as it is beautiful art,” says one jewellery wholesaler (who wished to remain anonymous). “Most people wouldn’t see the value in it as costume jewellery.”
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Luminescence: The Silver of Peru will be at the Museum of Anthropology at UBC from October 5 to December 16. Admission: Adults: $16.75; Student and Seniors: $14.50. Details can be found at moa.ubc.ca
