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UZH Welcomes Chilean Ambassador to Kawésqar Cultural Exhibition in Zurich

Image: Kathrin Leuenberger, 2023, Ethnographic Museum UZH

Chilean Ambassador to Switzerland, Frank Tressler, and a delegation of the Kawésqar people attended the Official Ceremony of the "Ko Aswál – The Next Day" exhibition at the Ethnographic Museum of UZH.

The exhibition provides unique insights in the indigenous Kawésqar people’s unique connection with nature, viewing plants and animals as relatives rather than as resources only. For over 6,000 years, they have lived in Patagonia in Southern Chile harmoniously, nurturing their environment through their profound kinship with the natural world. The exhibition also uncovers a somber history linking the Kawésqar and Zurich. In 1881, 11 Kawésqar were taken to Zurich for ethnographic shows; tragically, five perished due to harsh conditions and illness. 

Public workshops and talks with the Kawésqar

Kawésqar artisan Maritza Soto Messier from Punta Arenas demonstrating how to begin a rush plant basket. Image: Steffa Márquez

During the ceremony, Elisabeth Stark, UZH Vice President Research, underscored the significance of the intercultural collaboration between the Pueblo Kawésqar Foundation, the Chilean Embassy, and UZH to promote cultural understanding. Set against the backdrop of the Ethnographic Museum, the ceremony garnered a significant audience. Notably, both María Celsa Nuño García, the Ambassador of Spain, and Patrick Wittmann, the Canadian Ambassador to Switzerland, honored the event with their presence.

As part of the exhibition, workshops and talks are open to the public, offering an opportunity to engage with the Kawésqar community and learn about their rich heritage. 

Various Swiss news articles have been published on the exhibition, including: 

NZZ, 21 July 2023
SRF 2 Kultur Radio
Tagesschau SRF TV, 28 July 2023 
Tagesschau RSI TV, 28 July 23 
 

  • Image: Kathrin Leuenberger, 2023, Ethnographic Museum UZH

  • Image: Kathrin Leuenberger, 2023, Ethnographic Museum UZH

  • Image: Kathrin Leuenberger, 2023, Ethnographic Museum UZH

  • Image: Kathrin Leuenberger, 2023, Ethnographic Museum UZH

  • Image: Kathrin Leuenberger, 2023, Ethnographic Museum UZH

  • Image: Kathrin Leuenberger, 2023, Ethnographic Museum UZH

  • Image: Kathrin Leuenberger, 2023, Ethnographic Museum UZH

Anne Nuria Boekhout

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Discover the Kawésqar way

Visit the exhibition “Ko Aswál - The Next Day”