Unique Peruvian photo exhibition debuts at the Museum of Ethnography – PHOTOS

The Embassy of Peru in Hungary, in collaboration with the Museum of Ethnography, unveiled the “Shipibo-Konibo: Portraits of my Blood” photo exhibition by Peruvian photographer David Díaz. Attended by diplomats, government officials, media and art enthusiasts, the event showcased the cultural richness of the Shipibo-Konibo people, drawing admiration and interest from attendees.

The opening ceremony

At the inauguration, Ambassador Pérez Alván encouraged guests to explore and honour the Shipibo-Konibo indigenous community residing in Peru’s Amazon region. Renowned for their unique “Kené” designs, these intricate geometric patterns serve as expressions of the community’s worldview and spirituality. Notably, Shipibo-Konibo women incorporate visions induced by the traditional psychoactive brew “ayahuasca” into their creative process, enriching their designs with profound visual and spiritual inspiration.

From the artist’s perspective

Artist David Díaz is a member of the Shipibo-Konibo people. Through his lens, we get an intimate glimpse of a community rich in tradition, resilience, and beauty. Each photograph tells a story, they are not just portraits, but also a collective identity navigating the challenges and changes of the 21st century. The ambassador said:

David’s purpose extends beyond mere documentation; his work is a passionate endeavor to preserve and celebrate the identity of the Shipibo-Konibo people.

The Shipibo-Konibo community

The Amazon region of Peru, where the Shipibo-Konibo community calls home, is renowned as one of the world’s most biodiverse areas. It is a vital part of the global ecological balance and a vibrant tapestry of cultural richness, hosting 51 out of Peru’s 55 indigenous groups and encompassing 44 out of 48 indigenous languages spoken in the country. Safeguarding this region is not merely about preserving its natural wonders; it’s about cherishing the heritage and sustaining the livelihoods of its inhabitants, like the Shipibo-Konibo, beautifully depicted through David’s lens and his photo exhibition.

Explore the photo exhibition

The Embassy of Peru in Hungary extends an invitation to the Hungarian and international community to visit this new temporary photo exhibition at the Museum of Ethnography, which will be open until January 2025, and witness the dignity and richness of this remarkable community, as well as recognise its enduring legacy and continuing contributions to the cultural mosaic of Peru.