Within the framework of the Orígenes 2024 event, organized by the Sustainable Fashion Association of Peru, in Barranco, designer Anís Samanez’s statements generated controversy by criticizing indigenous communities for not sharing their ancestral knowledge for free. This position was described as discriminatory by artists and craftsmen. Shipibo-Konibo who consider that these positions devalue their culture and their work.
Shipibo-Konibo artists speak about Anís Samanez’s speech
Olinda Silvano: “He doesn’t value our work”
Olinda Silvano, renowned community artist Shipibo-Konibo and creator of Kené art, spoke out strongly against Anís Samanez’s statements. In dialogue with Successful Peru Silvano expressed his indignation and described the designer’s words as an act of discrimination against indigenous peoples.
“For us it is outrageous, as indigenous peoples, Shipibo nation, this design is very important, it is very sacred. This discrimination is what we go through, as indigenous peoples. The designs don’t come from a book, they don’t come from someone who taught you. That comes from the ancestral memory of our ancestors,” stressed the artist.
Silvano also highlighted that Kené art not only represents the cultural heritage of her community, but is also a vital source of income for many artisan mothers. “The lady is very wrong, this is not just about Olinda Silvano, it is about the Nation of indigenous women (…) Please respect all the people who want to run over our Kené design. This is art, this, the artisan mothers, the artists, is their source of income,” he stated.
Paolo Maynas: “As artisans we are outraged”
Paolo Maynas craftsman Shipibo-Konibo also expressed his rejection of Samanez’s statements through a video published on social networks. The artist made it clear that his indignation lies not only in the designer’s words, but also in what he considers an attempt to devalue and appropriate the work of his community.
“As artisans we are outraged to hear this speech. Designing takes us months, we carry the inspiration, the work, the stories of our ancestors, the stories of our grandparents in our hearts and minds,” explained the artisan.
Likewise, Maynas expressed his refusal to collaborate with Samanez under the conditions set forth. “We are not going to allow them to come from one day to the next and want to collaborate and enrich themselves with our work,” he added.
