About this Event
The Making and Meaning of Maps : Indigenous Cartography
Join us in person for a fascinating journey into the world of Indigenous Cartography. Discover how not all cartography is only made from paper, but alternative indigenous maps reveal symbolic narratives and oral histories, embody cultural heritage, and reflect deep connections to the sea, land and culture. Whether you're a map enthusiast or just cartographically curious, this cultural event will expand your perspective to the rich traditions behind map-making from Europe to the Pacific Islanders Indigenous world view.
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Globally, maps give people an opportunity to think about the world and understand the concept of space and place from a different perspective. If you are interested in learning about cartography from different cultures, then come and join this exciting and uniquely creative map making workshop.
During our morning session Yasmin will discuss the meaning of indigenous cartography, traditional knowledge and navigation of the Marshall Island Seafarers in the Pacific. Through maps, films and storytelling, we will explore the spatial differences between Western cartography, and the Pacific islanders’ traditional navigational wisdom, derived from the sea currents, swells and stars. You will also be able to share your personal map making ideas.
In the afternoon, using natural materials from brown willow and rattan to twine and cowrie shells you have the opportunity to work with John and Yasmin to weave, knot and recreate your own map into a shape that is personal to you.
Whether you would like to reinterpret a particular journey on land from home to city, a navigational crossing of the sea, an environmental map that reflects a memorable route, a symbol or emotion, come and create your own personal cartography with us.
Mapping Materials and Refreshments included.
Yasmin Hales MPhil is an interdisciplinary educator specialising in Social Anthropology, Indian Art, Architectural history and Cultural heritage. She has substantial teaching experience across UK education institutions including Birkbeck, Goldsmiths, University of Arts and internationally at Indian Universities. At City Lit she currently teaches a wide-ranging portfolio, including the anthropology of space and place, cultural landscape, heritage and cartography. Yasmin is an academic advisor in the Anthropology of Architecture at the Royal College of Art and also lectures on South Asian Heritage.
John Page is one of London's highly established basketry lecturers with over 30 years teaching experience, complimented by a diverse craft collection exhibited in London galleries. He is currently teaches at City lit.
Event venue & nearby stays
Prideaux House, 10 Church Crescent, London, United Kingdom
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