Papua New Guinea: the Asmat, Sculpture as Sacred Art
The Asmat people are a tribe in Papua New Guinea. They draw inspiration for their sculpture, which is the art they are best known for, from their mythology. It is part of their nature and is a sacred tradition. The Asmat people of Papua New Guinea in Oceania claim to be descendants of a god […]
Oral Literature: the Hare and the Hyena
One day, a long time ago when there was a famine, Hare met Hyena. “How thin you are looking – said Hare. “You look as though you would not say ‘No’ to a good meal either,” replied Hyena. The two animals continued along the road together until they came to a farmer, who was grumbling […]
Mexico: the Circus as a Life Project
In the Nahuatl language, spoken in the central region of Mexico, Machincuepa means somersaults or ‘pirouette’. For hundreds of adolescents and young people in the outskirts of Mexico City, Machincuepa also means relaxation and recreation, but, at the same time, a school of life in circus artistry that transforms their lives. A majestic tent for […]
Christmas: ‘Nattal’ in Sri Lanka
In spite of being a predominantly Buddhist country, the people of Sri Lanka celebrate Christmas (Nattal) in their own unique way, using native products. For Sri Lankans, Christmas is a time for celebration thriving in an atmosphere of unity regardless of religious beliefs and culture. Long before the legendary seafarer ‘Sinbad’ chanced to harbour in […]
Oral Literature: Why the Hippopotamus lives in the Water
Many years ago the hippopotamus, whose name was Isantim, was one of the biggest kings on the land; he was second only to the elephant. The hippo had seven large fat wives, of whom he was very fond. Now and then he used to give a big feast to the people, but a curious thing […]
Uganda: A Circus, the Art of Redemption
The slums of Katwe have seen the birth of a new circus where the jugglers, acrobats, fire-eaters and dancers are the youngsters themselves of the shantytown. They have become so skilled that they have been asked to perform even outside the continent of Africa. For many of them it has become a profession. The youngest […]
DR. Congo: “I am a missionary doctor, in love with God”
She lives and works in the Democratic Republic of Congo and has dedicated all her life to her mission to welcome and care for the worst cases, those who need her as an experienced surgeon and as one who has unfailing faith in divine providence. “In the Congo, it is the missionaries who are really […]
Burkina Faso: Father Jacques – Biologist and Geneticist
A Camillian and also professor at the University of Ouagadougou, Father Jacques Simporè assists the sick and most neglected. He has always worked with tenacity against the spread of HIV decimating the country. Fr. Jacques Simporè’s dream was to place himself at the service of science and the poor: besides the motivation he received from […]
Oral Literature: An Unhappy Fish
Once upon a time there was a colony of little fishes who lived together in their own small pool, isolated from the rest of the fish in the river. It was a still, grey pool, dotted with stones and clumps of weed, and surrounded by thorn bushes and a few palm trees. Most of these […]
Guatemala: The native flavour of boj
Boj, which originates from the northern region of Alta Verapaz, has a cultural and spiritual meaning to the Q’eqchi’ people, it is served at religious celebrations and indigenous festivities. The inhabitants of the Alta Verapaz department say that the basic ingredient of this drink is corn, which has cooked on a wood fire for three […]
