It has been an honor to receive the recognition of the National Museum of Ethnography and Folklore (MUSEF) for our contribution to science and technology related to feathered art. This award was presented during the XXIX Annual Meeting of Ethnology (RAE). The Rebellion of the Objects. Feather Art, held between 17 and 21 August.
Our relationship with MUSEF began last year with a photographic exhibition on biodiversity in northern La Paz, opened in the Long Night of Museums, May 17th 2014, which had a great acceptance from the public. This experience confirmed the importance of art to convey ideas and values about biodiversity and conservation.
During the Annual Meeting of Ethnology, WCS and MUSEF, in partnership with the General Directorate of Biodiversity and Protected Areas, the Bolivian Fauna Collection and the local NGO BIOTA, held a photo exhibition dedicated to the birds of Bolivia and organized a round table on biodiversity and conservation of Bolivian avifauna. Ornithologists discussed issues related to species richness, its importance, the threats they face and the existing regulations to ensure their conservation. Several presentations focused on some of the groups of birds and species which are used in feather art, such as parrots, flamingos and the Andean Rhea.
This recognition by such an important cultural institution like MUSEF commits us even more to Bolivia, to the conservation of its natural and cultural heritage, both closely linked as has been seen in various presentations on the acquisition and processing of raw materials, production, use and distribution of feather art in our country and other countries in Latin America.