Mashramani exhibition at National Museum to spread awareness of cultural history
On Mashramani day, Guyanese of all races converge to celebrate Guyana’s being a Republic. It is not just a mere fete, but a significant facet of our history.
The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, in collaboration with the National Museum, recently launched its annual Mashramani exhibition as part of a series of activities to commemorate Guyana’s 44th Republic anniversary under the theme “Cultural Folklore, Celebrating 44”.
At the launch, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr Frank Anthony, stated that the event has become one of the ministry’s traditional activities to ensure that the country’s cultural heritage is highlighted.
The exhibition showcases various aspects of Guyanese culture and the annual activities held in celebration of Mash.
Minister Anthony noted that the exhibition has been growing in its quality over the years, and if youths are not encouraged to appreciate and value the rich heritage of Guyana’s folklore, they will be lost. Therefore, it is the aim of the exhibition to keep our cultural heritage alive.
“This exhibition helps to propagate the unique history that Guyana possesses. I encourage persons, especially school children, to visit the exhibition which will give them an insight into the local artefacts,” Minister Anthony said.
History
The Jaycees of Linden, since Guyana became independent in 1966, had been arranging and organizing an Independence Carnival in Mackenzie. With the advent of Guyana becoming a Republic in February 1970, the Jaycees of Linden, under its president Nobreiga, formed a Jaycees Republic Celebrations Committee.
Basil Butcher was selected as chairman but due to his subsequent selection to tour Australia with the West Indies Cricket Team, Jim Blackman was appointed as the deputy to carry on.
A broad-based committee such as Wordsworth McAndrew, Arthur Seymour, and Adrian Thompson, began the organization of the carnivals activities.
The search for a name to replace ‘carnival’ began, and it was suggested by Butcher that an Amerindian name be chosen. Several individuals, including Allan Fiedtkou, an Amerindian, were contacted. Fiedtkou held discussions with his grandfather who explained a type of festival that was held by Amerindians whenever they gather to celebrate a special event. This event he said was like “Muster Many” (or Mashirimehi in Amerindian) and sounded in Arawak like Mashramani. Steps were taken to confirm this with the help of Adrian Thomson, who was the District Commissioner of the interior and was considered an authority on Amerindian affairs.
After investigations could not confirm or deny that the Arawak word for festival was ‘Mashramani’, and in keeping with Fiedtkou’s interpretation, it was decided that the festival could be called Mashramani.
On February 23, 1970, Mashramani was a huge success, with people drawn from all regions of Guyana to Linden welcoming Guyana’s status as a republic with more than three days of frolic and fun.
After witnessing the massive crowds and level of competition, David Singh, a government official, held discussions with the Jaycees Committee about bringing the event to Georgetown. Approval was also given by the-then President Forbes Burnham for Mash’ to be a national event for the Republic celebration.
Mash’ activities were rotated in Linden, Berbice and Georgetown but due to sponsorship, the costume bands’ contest remained in Georgetown.
This year’s exhibition is open to the public at the National Museum until March 6.
Activities
Mash activities continue with a steel band competition on Feb 16 at the National Cultural Centre. On Feb 19-21 a series of steel band concerts would be held in the Botanical Gardens, Stabroek Market and at the seawall band stand.
The Flag Raising Ceremony would be held Feb 23 at the Parliament Buildings. On Feb 26, a Republic lecture series workshop would be held at Umana Yana. There would also be a folk concert on Feb 28 at the National Cultural Centre. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)
