In the 1990s, I ran a
small One World Shop. The highlight was the annual organization of a
Theme evenings, e.g. an Africa evening.
It was amazing how the various small mosaic pieces made up the
program: A choir performed songs from Africa, there was
cooked a traditional local dish, a friend sewed stuffed animals (elephants,
camels, hippos). There was a table decoration of fruits,
Paper lions and plants. For the One World Shop, I ordered goods from
Africa, a poster with symbolic drawings was created and a
Speaker, who lived and worked in Zambia for several years, reported on her
experiences there. Everyone contributed their skills – it was
a successful event. We donated the proceeds of the evening to a
African hospital.
The batik print with the Maasai dates from this time and has been in my
room. For me, these Maasai represent all cultures
this world. I wish that we treat each other with respect and curiosity
that we understand each other and that the “otherness”
is experienced as an enrichment. We should respect life in all its diversity
and understand ourselves as what we are, namely just guests in this world.
