2020 Castañeda Museum Official Newsletter

This tumultuous year has certainly been one of hardship for many, due to the Covid-19 virus.

Museums have also felt the detrimental effects the virus has inflicted, including having to close their doors to the public.  Our Museum had an exciting proposal for an exhibit at another institution here in Tucson, but it was put on hold due to the virus.  Hopefully, 2021 will offer new opportunities for progress and growth for all.  A ray of light – museum websites, such as ours, can also offer enriching educational experiences.  Unfortunately, twice this year our website fell victim to malicious viruses, of a different type, causing great damage.  Our site is undergoing reconstruction with new web site developers, who are generously donating their time and services.   As we are rebuilding, we have been devoting our time to the 3 Rs: Research, Review of our collections, and Restoration of pieces where needed.  A new essay on the site recounts the journey of a WWII doll from Paris, France, that eventually arrived in present-day Tucson.  Since we are entering the holiday season, this Newsletter is featuring an interesting Japanese New Year tradition.  We hope you enjoy both topics.

Description

In Japan, from the last half of December through the beginning of January, Shimekazari arrangements are displayed on entrance doors to ward off evil spirits and welcome good fortune for the new year.  A Shimekazari is made of twisted, rice straw rope, and the arrangement is decorated with auspicious items.

Listed here are some of the decorative items and their meanings:

• Goldfish/carp – prosperity

• Arrows – achieve goals

• Gold shrine has gods of good luck

• Crane – a long life

• Umbrella – protection

• Pine tree – perseverance

• Bamboo leaves – modesty

• Peach blossoms drive away evil

• Bottle gourd – may your family and descendants live forever

Thank You

All our donors are honored friends, and we are most grateful for your support.  Thank you for making it possible to share so many of our folk and ethnic textiles, dolls, and masks with the public.  These pieces are historical “documents” and need to be viewed and admired.   

Special thanks are extended to: Anonymous, Dr. & Mrs. Robert Brown, Charles Castañeda, Beth Dittrich, Edna & Adrian Gaxiola, Greg & Helen Greene, Diana Hadley, Edward & Barbara Haugland, Dwayne Hunt, Joan Russell, Ann Samuelson, Kathy Street, and the Marjorie R. Van Steen Memorial Fund.

Early this year, our director, Gayle Castañeda, had the pleasure of being invited to visit the Thai Buddhist Temple of Tucson/Wat Buddhametta.  A few of the monks, some lay supporters of the Temple, and Gayle had a round-table discussion concerning the identity of several masked characters of the Thai classical dance-drama, the Ramakian.  It was a fascinating learning experience for all.  Gayle was thrilled to receive several items the Temple monks wished to donate to the Museum.  They included dolls of Prince Rama and Princess Sita, several miniature demon masks, and three framed paintings on silk fabric of characters of the Ramakian.  These gifts are treasured additions to the Museum’s collection of Thai artifacts.

Donations are always needed to fund our efforts to educate the public about the marvelous diversity of peoples and cultures around the globe.  We are a 501(c)(3) organization, and donations are tax-deductible to the extent provided by law.

WISHING YOU A SAFE AND HEALTHY 2021!