Return to Arawak Artifacts

The Arawak Indians

Centuries before the colonizers of the New World during the fifteenth century, the Lokono (Arawak) people lived along the of the vast continent of South America as well as some of the larger islands of the Caribbean area. Today, although the Lokono number but a few thousand, glimpses of their rich and diverse culture are revealed to our world through artifacts unearthed such as pottery basketry and even petroglyph drawings left behind as the signature of these master artists and craftsmen. Artist Adam Azaire contributes to the preservation of this heritage.

Adam Azaire (Anakhuda Hororo)

Azaire: My work comprises hand built and wheel thrown forms as well as castware. I am Amerindian, native "Lokono" of Guyana, South America. On my pieces I use the traditional pottery and basket motifs of the Amerindians of my native Guyana and, in addition, I also use the Amerindian petroglyph motifs of the Caribbean area, in particular those found in St. Lucia and St. Vincent.

In my work I endeavour to combine traditional designs and forms and contemporary techniques and practices as my way of celebrating the timeless uniqueness and rich diversity of Amerindian culture. I like to think that I am "a Lokono potter" in the traditional sense. The difference for me is this: I use the motifs and forms which my people have used for centuries but I have been formally trained in an Art School environment and, as such, my work, in some ways reflects my exposure to non-traditional techniques and ideas. I was also trained as an industrial ceramist and this also influences my work. I think that I am fortunate to have these "trappings". I also have at my disposal a pool of techniques and inventions which are, in many instances, unique to our time and era. I have the best of two worlds.

My preferred medium is earthenware, the medium of my ancestors. I burnish a lot and will often glaze a piece only on the inside. With earthenware I feel that I capture the openness and humility with which my people make their pots. Earthenware "keeps my feet on the ground" and, in harmony with the images found on my pots: the people, birds, animals, fishes, the ocean, sun, sky and forest.

My pottery is my religion. Each piece gives thanks to "Awa", the Great Creator, and to my people who have given me life and a magnificent heritage. The Lokono people are the greatest teachers remaining in this world. We are at peace when we know who we are.

Azaire's Artistic Background

Each piece of Azaire's work is an original and one of a kind. He finds it impossible to create two identical items. He sits down before each light brown, earthenware urn or bowl and lets his instincts and paint brush take over. The results are beautiful.

Trained in Guyana at the Burrowes School of Art, Azaire graduated with distinction after a four-year course. As part of his graduation he had to stage his own exhibition. He displayed a total of five hundred and sixty pieces at this one man show and some of these first works were purchased by the president of Guyana.

He worked at the Institute of Applied Science and Technology in Guyana before attending a course in Ceramic Practice and Technology in England.

With such an abundance of technical training, Azaire has become an all round ceramics expert and artist. He is often commissioned by the Caribbean Development Bank to carry out training projects in various parts of the Caribbean.

Azaire is currently working as a teacher at the Leon Hess Comprehensive School in Castries, St. Lucia. During his spare time, he spends time in his studio creating his wonderful ceramic pieces.

Azaire says he often finds it difficult to part with some of his pieces and not until several months after he has made an item will he be ready to sell it.

Azaire's work is available exclusively from Artist Gallery in downtown Castries, St. Lucia. If the Gallery's owner is fortunate enough to persuade Azaire to relinquish some of his pieces, there will be several fine ceramic examples to be viewed and purchased.