IslandsDaily
Artist Karen Aruba and Her Father Revive the Dying Craft of Mahjong Set MakingPhoto: The Straits Times
EntertainmentAruba

Artist Karen Aruba and Her Father Revive the Dying Craft of Mahjong Set Making

Source: The Straits Times·6 hours ago·Aruba·1 min read

Artist Karen Aruba and her father are working to preserve the traditional craft of handmaking mahjong sets, a skill that has largely disappeared in the modern era. Their handcrafted mahjong sets are priced at approximately $2,200, reflecting the intensive labor and artistry involved in their creation. The father-daughter duo are among a rare few still practicing this dying craft, which requires specialized knowledge passed down through generations. Their work highlights the cultural significance of mahjong as more than just a game, but as a vessel for heritage and craftsmanship. By continuing to produce these sets, they are keeping alive a tradition that might otherwise be lost entirely. The high price point underscores the rarity and skill involved, positioning their work as both functional art and cultural preservation. Their story has drawn attention to the broader challenge of sustaining traditional crafts in a world of mass production.

Key Facts
  • Karen Aruba and her father handcraft mahjong sets priced at around $2,200 each.
  • The craft of making traditional mahjong sets is considered a dying art with very few practitioners remaining.
  • Their work represents both cultural preservation and a family tradition passed between generations.
Enjoyed this story? Get the daily digest free.
Digest launches early October — subscribe now to reserve your spot.
Read original articleSummary translated automatically · Source: The Straits Times

You are leaving IslandsDaily. The article will open on the publisher's site in its original language — your browser may offer to translate it.

More from Entertainment · Aruba

Ateliers '89 Opens Photography Exhibition 'Time After Dark' in Aruba
Entertainment

Ateliers '89 Opens Photography Exhibition 'Time After Dark' in Aruba

Ateliers '89 Punto di Beyas Arte Aruba is hosting the opening of a new photography exhibition titled 'Time After Dark' on Thursday, October 1. The event marks a formal invitation to the public to attend the opening night at the arts center. Ateliers '89 is one of Aruba's prominent fine arts institutions, dedicated to promoting local and regional artistic talent. The exhibition title, 'Time After Dark,' suggests a focus on night photography or themes related to darkness and light. The opening represents a cultural milestone for the island's arts community, offering residents and visitors an opportunity to engage with visual art. No additional details about featured photographers or the full duration of the exhibition were provided in the announcement.

Key Facts
  • Ateliers '89 Punto di Beyas Arte Aruba is opening a photography exhibition titled 'Time After Dark' on October 1.
  • The public is formally invited to attend the opening night event at the arts center.
  • Ateliers '89 is one of Aruba's established fine arts institutions promoting visual culture.
Source: Mas Noticia·8 hours ago
Read story Read original article Summary translated automatically · Source: Mas Noticia
Mighty Sparrow, the King of Calypso, Dies at Age 91
Entertainment

Mighty Sparrow, the King of Calypso, Dies at Age 91

Slinger Francisco, internationally known as Mighty Sparrow and widely regarded as the King of Calypso, has passed away at the age of 91. Born in Grenada and raised in Trinidad, Mighty Sparrow became one of the most celebrated and influential artists in Caribbean music history. His songs blended humor, sharp social commentary, and infectious rhythm, earning him a devoted following across the entire region, including Aruba. His death marks the end of an era for Caribbean music, as he was considered a defining figure of the calypso genre for decades. His legacy is expected to endure throughout the Caribbean, where his music shaped culture, identity, and political discourse for generations.

Key Facts
  • Mighty Sparrow, born Slinger Francisco, died at the age of 91.
  • He was widely recognized as one of the greatest calypso singers in Caribbean history.
  • His music, humor, and social commentary left a lasting legacy across the Caribbean, including Aruba.
Source: 24ora·9 hours ago
Read story Read original article Summary translated automatically · Source: 24ora
Calypso legend Mighty Sparrow dies at 91
Entertainment

Calypso legend Mighty Sparrow dies at 91

Slinger Francisco, known worldwide as The Mighty Sparrow, passed away on Sunday, September 27, in New York City at the age of 91. According to his family, the beloved singer died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones. Mighty Sparrow was born in Grenada and raised in Trinidad and Tobago, where he rose to become one of the most celebrated calypso artists in Caribbean history. He earned the title 'Calypso King of the World' and won the Calypso Monarch competition in Trinidad a record number of times, with a career spanning more than six decades. His music blended sharp social commentary with infectious rhythm, earning him fans across the Caribbean, including in Aruba, and around the globe. His death marks the end of an era for Caribbean music and culture, and tributes have been pouring in from across the region.

Key Facts
  • Mighty Sparrow, born Slinger Francisco, died on September 27 in New York City at age 91.
  • He was one of the most decorated calypso artists in Caribbean history, with a career spanning over six decades.
  • His family confirmed he passed away peacefully, surrounded by those close to him.
Source: Noticia Cla·10 hours ago
Read story Read original article Summary translated automatically · Source: Noticia Cla