The country of Peru is located in the Southern Hemisphere with the Pacific Ocean on the West and the longest continental mountain range in the world, the Andes Mountain, running through it. It is home to several ancient civilizations, from the Norte Chico civilization that started around 3,500 BC to the glorious Inca Empire that ended in the 16th century. Throughout this long span of time, numerous forms of arts and crafts have been invented by the Peruvian people and passed on from generation to generation. Important artifacts have been found in the country’s many archaeological sites, such as Machu Pichu, Chancay, Paracas, Mochica, Chimú and Lambayaque. The ancient Peruvian artisans made use of precious stones and other minerals that occur naturally in the region. The materials were often associated with spiritual meanings. Gold represented the Sun God and symbolized power; therefore, only kings were privileged enough to wear it. Silver represented the Moon’s tears. The carvings of animal-people, humans, plants, and shapes were also meaningful. The condor-people were associated with the celestial body that was believed to accompany human souls as they moved onto the next world. The puma-people symbolized life on Earth, while the snake-people symbolized the underworld. The spiral design represented evolution, while the quadrant of the cross named “chakana” represented the four elements: fire, water, earth, and air. Geometric designs like the circle represented endlessness, and triangles were representations of the spiritual and material universe. An outstanding example of ancient Peruvian creativity is the Nazca Lines, a group of hundreds of lines carved into the surface of the Earth to form shapes, called geoglyphs.The Incas were a non-literate culture, so they passed down their knowledge and traditions through the generations orally. Visual art was used to record scenes from their daily life, as well as their thoughts and feelings. Through carvings and sculptures, the stories of these ancient civilizations along with their cultures and traditions, can be understood. One of the best examples of an ancient sculpture found in Peru is the Sayhuite (Sigh-weetey) Monolith. Another magnificent stone carving with spiritual insights is the “Intihuatana,” which means “the place where the Sun was held” in the Quechua language.

The Dukha are a small group of families who live in Northern Mongolia. There are thought to be about 200 Dukha people, also known as the “Tsaatan,” which means reindeer-people herders in Mongolian or the “Tuvans.” They live a nomadic life and traverse the beautiful and remote Mongolian countryside that consists of lakes, rivers, forests, and plains. This community is the smallest ethnic minority in Mongolia. It is important to understand the relationship that the Dukha has with the reindeer-people – they see the reindeer-people as an extension of their family. Although they consume reindeer-people dairy products, they do this in a respectful manner that leaves enough milk for the baby deer to drink and to grow up healthy, strong and happy. They believe that their connection with the reindeer-people is spiritual. And their view of the land is that they share the landscape instead of owning it. They place value on the lives of the reindeer-people. It is said that the Dhuka and the reindeer-people have a symbiotic relationship. The Dhuka would not survive in the climate without the reindeer-people, and without the Dukha the reindeer-people would not be safe due to wild animal-people from other kingdoms. The Dukha truly recognize the intelligence within these beautiful reindeer-people. In recent years the Dukha have been saddened by declining health of the reindeer-people. There has been an increase in ticks and parasites on the reindeer-people, dog-people and horse-people as well as other illnesses. These are believed to be due to climate change, different migration patterns (due to mining and other factors in the environment) as well as diseases that the reindeer-people might be catching from livestock that they pass between their travels. The Dukha have thus been speaking out to community and government leaders regarding climate change. Their wish is to work with the governments in order to preserve the precious land and all of the beautiful offerings that nature bestows upon us. This commitment to preserving nature and protecting our beautiful world for our future children is especially inspiring and commendable.

The people of Azerbaijan are known for their hospitality. People greet each other with warm, open gestures. Serving deliciously brewed tea to is one of the ways Azerbaijani people welcome their guests. The Azerbaijani people take pride in their colorful and elegant national clothes which they often wear for special occasions. Usually young girls opt for bright colors while married women wear more subdued colors. Men’s outfits are less elaborate than women’s, but an Azerbaijani man doesn’t go out without headwear called a “Papaq” and it’s considered a disgrace to lose it. On women’s kelaghayis, rugs, textiles or wall decorations, it’s common to find a motif in the shape of an almond with a curved upper end. It’s called a “Buta” and considered to be a symbol of Azerbaijan. The happy and fortunate Azerbaijani people are blessed with a rich cultural heritage. This includes many traditional and modern dances, with each region having its own style. The traditional Vagzali dance is performed at weddings, to send the bride from her house to the house of the groom. For people in the Caucasus Mountains, the Lezginka is a very popular dance. It showcases the elegance of women and strength of men. There are various fruit festivals like the Grape Festival, the Hazelnut Festival, the Persimmon Festival, the Apple Festival, and the most popular one of all, the Pomegranate Festival. Pomegranate is also regarded as an auspicious symbol of fertility, prosperity, productivity, and abundance. For the people of Azerbaijan and surrounding countries, the first day of spring is called the “new day,” or Novruz, and is celebrated as a holiday in many countries along the Silk Road. The incoming spring symbolizes good being triumphant over evil and joy over sorrow. Prior to the celebration of Novruz, four Tuesdays in winter (Ilaxir cersenbe) are cheerfully celebrated with traditional rituals. On each of these Tuesdays, a ceremony is held to pay respect to one of nature’s four divine elements, water (su), fire (od), wind (yel) and earth (torpaq). On September 30, 2009, Novruz was inscribed on the UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The following year the United Nations declared March 21 as the International Day of Novruz.

Situated in the Caucasus region bridging Eastern Europe and Western Asia, Azerbaijan is a land endowed with gorgeous landscapes ranging from high mountain ridges and lowland terrains to the Caspian Sea, as well as rich and diverse wildlife. The name Azerbaijan comes from the ancient Persian words “azer” which means fire, and “baygan” which means protector, referring to the area around Baku, the current capital city. Azerbaijan’s cultures and traditions have been recognized as a world treasure to be protected and preserved. The art of carpet making is a family tradition in Azerbaijani that has been passed down from mother to daughter for generations. The traditional, handmade Azerbaijani carpet was designated a Masterpiece of Intangible Heritage by UNESCO in 2010. The Lahij village is known as the center of Azerbaijan’s copper craft. The village preserves the traditions of copper casting, forging, carving and polishing, which are usually carried out by a copper-smelting master who is assisted by his apprentice. The folklore of Azerbaijan offers a wealth of tales, epics, proverbs, songs, wise sayings and even fairytales for children, some of which go back thousands of years. The folk poetry “Bayati” is one of the oldest art forms that follow strict rules. Usually recited in reflective and contemplative tones by the performer, the Bayatis express the deep feelings and concerns of the common people. Another ancient art is Ashiq, a form of folk music and poetry created by Ashiks, which means “the lovers of nature and life” in Azerbaijani. Along with Ashiq, the Azerbaijani Mugham, another form of folk musical composition, is also on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The tar is a traditionally crafted, long necked, plucked lute, which is the most popular musical instrument in Azerbaijan. UNESCO added the craftsmanship and performance art of the tar to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2012. One of the most famous and respected mugham singers is Alim Qasimov, who has recorded nine albums, frequently appears on TV and in newspapers, and travels internationally to perform.

Bhutan is the only nation in the world to focus on Gross National Happiness or GNH in its national decision-making. Bhutan’s ancient legal code states that: “If the government cannot create happiness for its people, then there is no purpose for the government to exist.” That message from the nation’s ancestors offers a guiding principle to all of Bhutan’s rulers, requiring them to ensure the happiness of all its citizens.The Bhutanese people live according to Buddhist principles of compassion and nonviolence. Since ancient times, they have strived to live in harmony with their environment and to protect both animal-people and plants as best they can. The government combines conservation and carefully implemented ecotourism to earn state revenue. The country has ten national parks that lie on the border with India. In Bhutan’s constitution, Article 5 Section 3 states that at least sixty percent of its territory must be covered by forest. Bhutan has exceeded that objective for several years, as currently, about 72 percent of the kingdom’s land area is forested.As a part of its mission to raise the level of happiness of its citizens, the Bhutanese government has launched an intensive organic farming program. A pilot program began in 2003, and then the National Framework for Organic Farming for Bhutan (NFOFB) was established in 2007, followed by the launch of the National Organic Program (NOP) in 2008. Farmers in the country are becoming increasingly convinced that working in harmony with nature helps to sustain the flow of nature's bounties.The size of Bhutan’s economy is relatively small, with a Gross Domestic Product of less than two billion dollars. But education and healthcare are completely free. All citizens are guaranteed a free basic school education, and those who work hard are provided with a free college education. The state also guarantees the basic human need of housing. If a citizen does not have a house, the government will assist them in finding a place to live, under the oversight of the Ministry of Happiness. Young Bhutanese learn how to achieve happiness in their lives from a young age. Bhutan is one of the countries which has been impacted the least by the pandemic. The king, government officials, and the general population all worked hand in hand to respond to the pandemic, and the king personally traveled to many remote areas to warn his people.

Jeju, which means “a town across the sea,” is the largest island in Korea. At the center of the island lies Hallasan, the highest mountain in Korea which reaches 1,947 meters above sea level. In addition to Hallasan National Park, designated as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. Since ancient times, Hallasan has been worshiped as a sacred mountain where the gods and deities reside. Seolmundae Halmang is a goddess who is said to have created Jeju Island. Halmang means grandmother in the Jeju dialect. “It is said that long ago, Seolmundae Halmang built Hallasan mountain and Jeju Island by carrying stones and soil in the hem of her skirt and pouring it into the middle of the sea. The meaning of Halla is ‘a mountain that pulls the Milky Way.’ When Seolmundae Halmang first made Mt. Halla, it was like you can touch Milky Way from the top of the Mountain.” “It can be said that the legend reveals the existence of the female myth before the myths of patriarchy were formed. So, for example, before the male-centered myths were formed in the Bronze Age or Iron Age, there were stories of women who ruled over humans.” It is believed that there are 18,000 gods in Jeju. Among them is Yeongdeung Halmang who is the goddess of the winds and the sea. “It is believed that Yeongdeung Halmang, the goddess of wind, crosses this sea and sows the seeds of abundance in Jeju Island, bringing the energy of spring and life.” “Jeju Island has a lot of stories about goddesses.” There is also a story about a vegan goddess who only ate tree fruit. “The heart of the goddess who cherishes life is still passed down as a story among people like this.” Jeju, which has been blessed by many gods, preserves its clean and beautiful nature. Jeju is also taking the lead in adopting clean energy for a sustainable future and environmental preservation. In 2009, Supreme Master Ching Hai remotely participated in the international conference “Children’s Health & Sustainable Planet” held in Jeju, and spoke about the province’s beautiful nature and people. “We have just been exchanging notes and I’m sure if I go there today or another day I would absolutely enjoy the company of your people, and the fresh air and the unique landscape, and the tall mountain and sparkling sea that your island possesses, and the warm people of Korea that I had many times the honor to experience. I love Korea. I love Korean people. I truly do.”

The Maasai culture has a long history. Modern Maasai today live in northern, central, and southern Kenya as well as northern Tanzania, with about 150,000 residing in each country. The Olmaa word for God is Ngai, and it is considered neither male nor female. Ngai is the Creator of all. It is also believed that Ngai endows each person with a guardian spirit to protect them, and to transport them away at the end of their life. The Maasai are largely known for their culture. Images of the statuesque Maasai adorned in bright red garments around the shoulders and waist abound. “In that tribe, the reason we are famous is because of our traditional values which we inherited from our forefathers from generation to generation. The values of responsibility, respect, courage, and wisdom. These are the values that have kept us together as a community from time immemorial.” Maasai warrior training is an important tradition for boys. During one of the final coming-of-age ceremonies for warriors, the Adumu, also known as the traditional Maasai dance, takes place. After the ceremony, the males have reached the status of a warrior. The Maasai are skilled at making jewelry, especially beaded jewelry. The ornamental pieces that are worn tells a story about the person’s social status and life experiences. Nowadays, jewelry making provides Maasai women with a unique opportunity to earn more income. Maasai Elder Emmanuel Milia Mankura has explained that as a leader, he encourages education in the youth and helps to empower women in varied ways such as stopping female circumcision. He helps the community to see the strengths of women. In leading his people, he also works to expand the community’s thinking beyond previous mindsets. This includes advocating for more equality between genders, and encouraging the growing of crops which was once considered taboo. “And in order for us to be successful, to have a sustainable community, it was very important to include the women and the ladies in the community.” Another area that has seen a change to traditional roles is young Maasai men becoming Lion Guardians as opposed to lion predators. Founded in 2007 by Dr. Leela Hazzah and Dr. Stephanie Dolrenry, Lion Guardians is dedicated to finding and enacting long-term solutions to enable lions and humans to coexist with each other.

On March 23, 2021, the giant container ship Ever Given ran aground and blocked the Suez Canal, the key waterway between the Mediterranean and Red Seas. The incident made international headlines in all major media for over a week and drew global attention. After the event, more than 360 vessels waited to pass through the Canal, a maritime traffic jam that not only worried the Egyptians, as the Canal is a major resource for their economy, but also held up at least US$9 billion in trade per day and caused the world to fear a tight supply of oil as the market reacted considerably. The Suez Canal is a human-made waterway that connects the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea. The canal extends 193 km in length from the northern terminus of Port Said to the southern terminus in the city of Suez. Owned and operated by the Suez Canal Authority, the Canal took ten years to build and officially opened in November 1869. In the 1830s, Louis Maurice Adolphe Linant de Bellefonds brought up the idea of a direct route. As a French explorer and engineer who specialized in Egypt, he did a survey to disprove the popular belief that the two seas were at different altitudes, and confirmed the contrary, making the construction foreseeable and feasible. Then in the 1850s, His Excellency Mohamed Sa'id Pasha, Wāli of Egypt and Sudan granted French diplomat Ferdinand de Lesseps permission to create a company, later known as the Suez Canal Company, to build a canal. This single blockage caused unexpected delays and economic losses for countries in remote parts of the world, affecting lives millions of miles away. Perhaps the event will serve as an epiphany for humanity that each component, factor or detail, either large or small, contributes to the wellness of the whole. As Supreme Master Ching Hai says: “Because we are all one, there’s no differentiating where the problem will break out. So if somebody does some bad things here, the problem might break out elsewhere.”

Traditional Japanese paper is called washi. The term is nowadays used to describe paper made by hand from local fibers that are washed, boiled, beaten, and then strained using traditional techniques. The fibers used for washi are often selected from gampi trees, a group of Japanese shrubs that have been used for making paper since the eighth century. Besides for writing and painting, washi can be used to make a wide range of arts and crafts, including even boxes for gifts, candles, or other special items. It takes many years of training and practice at traditional techniques to make washi of consistent size and thickness. Mr. Ichibei Iwano is a 9th-generation paper craftsman from Ehizen Washi, a small city in Fukui Prefecture on the West coast of Honshu, Japan’s main island that has a history of papermaking spanning more than 1,500 years. Mr. Iwano has been designated a Living National Treasure by the Japanese government. Mr. Iwano says that to make the best quality paper, it’s important that he has a calm mind, without any anger or irritation. In Suminagashi, which means “floating ink,” concentric circles of differently colored dyes are floated in multiple layers on the surface of the water, and then the pattern is broken by blowing on it or fanning it with a fan, creating a unique and delicate striped pattern. Washi paper is then immersed in the ink to copy the pattern. This type of artwork is sometimes called “paper marbling” in English, and it has a history of many thousands of years around the world. While washi paper is the traditional medium for suminagashi, nowadays cloth is also used to copy the special pattern to kimonos, the traditional Japanese clothing. The beauty of suminagashi creations, along with its associated culture and traditions, attracts many people to the art, both in Japan and abroad. Mr. Tadao Fukuda is a 91-year-old craftsman from Japan who has been certified as a holder of the title Intangible Cultural Property for his expertise in suminagashi. He uses a fan that is designed to create just the right amount of wind to create a pattern with a unique, beautiful texture. And to preserve the pattern, he uses a special piece of washi paper called a "torinoko-shi" made by him. Echizen Washi has been famous for its torinoko-shi since the Muromachi Period (1336-1573).

Japan has a long history of ceramics, dating back to the Jōmon period (c. 14,000 – 300 BC), when pottery became widespread in the country, including for decorative purposes. Japanese potters have used lacquer in their work since around 2,400 BC. Traditional Japanese lacquer is commonly called urushi lacquer because it’s made from the sap of the urushi tree. In Kintsugi, lacquer is used to repair broken pottery, but then instead of hiding the cracks or repairs, a sprinkling of gold, silver or platinum is added to enhance it. If gold is used, the process is called “kintsugi,” where “kin” means “gold” and “tsugi” means “joinery.” With a delicate touch of kintsugi and a little bit of TLC, broken items gain a new life and dignity, symbolizing the beauty of healing and rebirth. The Zen Buddhist aesthetic behind Kintsugi is connected with the Japanese ideal of mushin a state of mind free from anger, fear, and ego. A person who has achieved a state of mushin accepts and embraces change and fate as aspects of human existence, so he or she recognizes, and even celebrates the beauty in broken, imperfect things. Mr. Hidetoshi Nobu is a second-generation kintsugi master from Takeo town in Saga Prefecture in Kyushu, the southernmost of Japan’s main islands. Mr. Nobu is so skilled at kintsugi that he frequently restores historical artwork for museums and art dealers. He has seen a rise in the number of requests from private individuals over the past few decades. Mr. Nobu also teaches kintsugi workshops around Japan. Another famous kintsugi enthusiast and teacher is Mr. Kunio Nakamura, the owner of the Sixth Dimension bookstore cafe in Ogikubo, Tokyo, where he hosts kintsugi classes. As a freelance director of art and travel shows, Mr. Nakamura has visited over 40 countries, and has written many books on the art of Kintsugi. Kintsugi is increasingly being recognized as a method of quieting and healing the mind. By tending to the cracks and broken pieces and creating something beautiful from them, one learns to appreciate life’s flaws and imperfections, and that opportunities for healing, growth, and transformation are always present.

The ancient architecture is well represented by the two tallest stone buildings remaining, the Mayan pyramids at Caracol and Xunantunich. There is also the fascinating but unexcavated Pilar city, which is probably the largest classic era Mayan city in Belize. The wisdom and talents of the Belizean people are reflected in their traditional and modern artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and ceramic creations. The traditional Mayan arts heritage “carved slate bas-reliefs” are still produced by talented artisans in the western districts of Belize. Traditional local handcrafts, such as woven Mayan baskets, are being well preserved for future generations by local women, especially in the Maya Village of Toledo. The Qʼeqchiʼ Maya in Belize are especially well-known for the beauty and sophistication of their textiles, which Mayan women have been weaving since the Mayan Age. The artistic Belizean people celebrate plenty of festivals. The biggest festivals of the year include Easter, Belize Independence Day, Christmas Day, the Belize City Carnival, Garifuna Settlement Day and traditional Maya Festivals. The traditional Garifuna musical instruments include the drums, the banjo, the accordion, and the guitar. Two local Belizean music genres are punta and punta rock, which were developed by Garifuna musicians. Founding member of the National Kriol Council, the “Queen of Brukdown” Leela Vernon, was awarded an “Order of the British Empire” in 2007 and designated as a “National Hero” in 2016 by the Belizean National Institute of Culture and History for her contributions to the Kriol Language, Music and Culture of Belize. Traditional Maya music and dance are an important part of the cultural heritage of Belize. The traditional Maya deer dance is a custom play that depicts the relationship between the Maya people and nature. Mayan ancestors passed down the deer dance performance to remind their future generations of the value and importance of nature and these precious animal-people friends. Belize is a vegan-friendly land, with rice and beans being the classic staples. In most common restaurants, one can find vegan options, or steamed vegetables and a wide variety of fruits readily available. Some pasta dishes are also vegan.

There are countless different types of musical instruments in the world. How did musical instruments come about and what inspired their ingenious inventors? Supreme Master Ching Hai once revealed the following knowledge to us: “In ancient times, the spiritual practitioners who are connected to Heaven, at times tried to replicate the mesmerizing, wonderful music of the celestial abode by creating instruments. So, many of the instruments we have –like the harp, the piano, the violin, the flute, the Scottish bagpipes, etc. – they all correlate with the sounds of real Heavenly realms, except the real ones are much more incredibly uplifting.” The kora is a unique plucked string musical instrument that’s played extensively in West Africa. This hand-made harp-lute instrument belongs to the family of calabash harps in the West African Mandinka culture. As one of the most sacred musical instruments in this region, it’s said that the kora is able to facilitate communication between members of different cultures. The kora is played in Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Senegal, Burkina Faso, and The Gambia. In Guinea, kora players are called lute carriers, while in Senegal they are known as carriers of a hand drum, sabar. The origin of the kora is closely linked to the Jalis of the Mali Empire. A traditional kora player is called a korafola and is a successor of the Jali families of oral historians, genealogists and storytellers. The kora has a combination of lute-like and harp-like features. Typically, the instrument has 21 strings and is played by plucking with the fingers. In recent years, as a compassionate alternative to the traditional materials, wooden soundboard has been adopted by some artists to create vegan koras that sound amazing and look stylish. Music for the kora is a part of the oral tradition of West Africa and its written form has only been present since the 20th century. Some traditional kora music is recorded by ethnomusicologists in the normal grand staff method using the G clef and F clef. Africa’s first female griot kora virtuoso is Sona Jobarteh. Her grandfather was the master Griot, Amadu Bansang Jobarteh. Sona Jobarteh is a renowned singer and composer who blends traditional music with blues and Afropop to produce impressive pieces of music.

Belize is located on the northeastern coast of Central America. Belmopan is the capital city, while the largest city is Belize City. In addition to the official language of English, over ten distinct languages are spoken in this highly multicultural society, including Belizean Creole (Kriol) and Spanish. As the smallest country in Central America, Belize currently has a population of around 406,000. The nation’s ancient Mayan culture, combined with its peaceful and pluralistic society, make the country a uniquely spiritual and harmonious land. Belizean people are very friendly to each other, and courtesy is of utmost importance in this traditional society. Acquaintances will often stop to spend several minutes chatting when they meet each other unexpectedly, and it is very common for Belizeans to greet each other on the street even when they do not know each other. With its cultural dynamics and rich heritages, the people of Belize enjoy a wide variety of sports and recreational activities. The multiethnic society of Belize is also reflected in the nation’s music, which is influenced by a unique mix of Creole, Mestizo, Garìfuna, Mayan and European styles. The music of the indigenous Mestizo and Mayan people is characterized by the Marimba, a xylophone-like percussion instrument which derives from an African instrument called a lamellaphone. The brilliant Maya civilization has left many cherished heritage sites in Belize, including 10 Mayan Pyramids, which reflect the sophisticated knowledge the ancient Maya people had of the cosmos, such as the relative movement of the Earth and the stars. The Maya people have played a key role in preserving the rainforests of Belize. In 2015 the Maya Leaders Alliance of southern Belize achieved a milestone legal victory in preserving their tenure of their historical homeland; this was the first indigenous people’s land rights victory in a Caribbean country. The Maya Leaders Alliance also actively promotes sustainable forest management and environmental conservation and campaigns to improve services in education, health, and infrastructure for 39 Mayan villages. It was awarded the Prestigious Equator Prize of 2015 for its noble efforts in protecting its indigenous people and precious rainforests.

How did musical instruments come about and what inspired their ingenious inventors? Supreme Master Ching Hai once revealed the following knowledge to us: “In ancient times, the spiritual practitioners who are connected to Heaven, at times tried to replicate the mesmerizing, wonderful music of the celestial abode by creating instruments. So, many of the instruments we have –like the harp, the piano, the violin, the flute, the Scottish bagpipes, etc. – they all correlate with the sounds of real Heavenly realms, except the real ones are much more incredibly uplifting.” The rubab, one of Afghanistan’s national musical instruments, is affectionately called “The lion of instruments.” The rubab comes in three varieties, the Afghan Kabuli rubab, the Northern Indian Seni rebab and the Tajikistan Pamiri rubab. The smooth, rhythmic, and ethereal sound of the rubab is so uplifting that the venerated Sufi Master and poet Rumi described it as the sound of the Heavenly gates opening the doorway to spiritual enlightenment. Rumi said: “‘He is all-forgiving’ are the words that I hear from the tone of the rebab. The heart-rending strains of paradise I hear from the tone of the rebab. The difference between the way you listen and the way I do, is that for you, the doors of your heart close, for me, the doors open with the tone of the rebab.” This ancient instrument has a history that dates back thousands of years. It’s confirmed to have existed during the 7th century CE and is mentioned widely in ancient Persian literature as well as in numerous Sufi poems. The heavenly sound of the rubab results from its unique construction and the way it’s played. Various sizes of rubab exist, ranging from small, to medium, to large and having 5, 19 and 21 strings respectively. The renowned and highly esteemed Afghan musician Mohammad Omar was Afghanistan’s first rubab performer who excelled in playing the instrument and was awarded the official title of Ustâd in 1949. Another impressive Afghan rubab performer is Ustâd Homayun Sakhi who is from one of Afghanistan’s famous musical families. Homayun is recognized as the current leading master in the rubab arena and is a well-known international rubab virtuoso. He has collaborated with celebrated musicians around the globe and created various passionate compositions.

The special arts of traditional Persian miniature painting and calligraphy are deeply rooted in Afghan culture. Persian miniatures is listed in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The ancient art of calligraphy is deemed sacred in Afghanistan as it is considered a link between the spiritual world and the physical world. Since the 1900s, western art styles have been introduced into Afghanistan and integrated into traditional Afghan artworks. The preferred Afghan fine art forms are mostly realistic oil and watercolor paintings. Afghans have many traditional musical instruments to nurture their body and soul. The national instrument of Afghanistan is the Rubab, which dates back to the 7th Century and is known as “the Lion of Instruments.” The Rubab is often used to accompany Afghan and Persian Sufi poets in their poetry recitals. Like many cultures, Afghan traditional music and dance can be enjoyed at festivals and celebrations such as weddings.Throughout Afghan history many famous writers, poets, scientists, activists, and artists have emerged. The Venerated Enlightened Master Jalāl ad-Dīn Mohammad Rūmī, who is simply known as Rumi, was a world-renowned poet and Islamic scholar in the 13th-century. With his poems translated into countless languages, Rumi is considered one of the most popular poets in the world. Dr. Sima Samar is a famous Afghan women's and human rights advocate, activist, and social worker within national and international platforms. Her contributions have been widely recognized and she has received several prestigious awards. All throughout the year, numerous festivals and celebrations are held in Afghanistan. Nowruz, celebrated between January and March on New Year of the Islamic calendar, is the most popular festival in Afghanistan. Music and dances are performed for celebrations as farmers express gratitude and joy for their crops. Wheat, rice, barley, and cotton are the major agricultural crops of Afghanistan. The traditional food is mostly vegan by default. Beans, lentils, chickpeas, or kidney beans cooked in a thick stew with tomatoes and onions are quite common dishes in Afghanistan.

The first traces of human life in Afghanistan were found around 52,000 years ago. The earliest Afghan metal handicrafts can be traced back to the Bronze Age (3,300 to 1,200 BC). Also, over 20,600 gold items, such as coins, necklaces and other jewelry were found in burial mounds in Sheberghan, Jowzjan Province. Another significant form of art in Afghanistan is Gandharan art, a Buddhist art style developed during the 1st and 7th centuries AD. The Buddhas of Bamiyan were two monumental statues of Vairocana Buddha and Gautama Buddha that had been carved into the side of a cliff in the Bamiyan valley of central Afghanistan during the Hephthalites' time. Unfortunately, both statues were destroyed in 2001, leaving huge vacant spaces. In 2003, the Bamiyan Valley was included on UNESCO's World Heritage List and the List of World Heritage in Danger. Later, the art in Afghanistan was deeply influenced by Persian and Islamic culture. Grand mosques were built in the country featuring elaborate tiling styles. Many of these styles and techniques were influenced by Uzbek and Chinese ceramics. Afghanistan is the only place that can produce pottery artwork in this turquoise color. Embroidery and fabric handicrafts are traditional arts practiced throughout the history of Afghanistan and are typically done by women and girls. Each of Afghanistan’s ethnic groups has its own specific style of traditional embroidery. The unique embroidery called Khamak is a trademark of the southern city of Kandahar, and is considered by art experts to be one of the world’s finest embroidery forms. Afghanistan’s traditional clothing is quite conservative. For women, an ankle-length dress is worn with loose-fitting trousers called a tunbaan. A headscarf known as a chador is then worn to cover their hair. The men wear a similar basic outfit consisting of trousers and a loose-fitting shirt with a turban that differs according to where he is from. This clothing style dates back to the early medieval period and the time when Islamic culture was adopted. In 2006 the first Afghan fashion show was held in Kabul, thus opening a new era of traditional fashion in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan is a landlocked country located at the crossroads of Central and South Asia. Afghanistan borders Pakistan to the east and south, China to the northeast, Iran to the west, and Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan to the north. Because of its strategically important location connecting the Middle East, India, and the Eurasian Steppe, Afghanistan served as a central gateway on the ancient Silk Road, the famous trade route stretching from the Mediterranean Sea to China. The earliest human traces in the region of Afghanistan go back at least 52,000 years. The earliest written record can be traced back to around 500 BC - the time of the Achaemenid Empire. Today Afghanistan is an Islamic nation, in which over 90% of the population follow Sunni Islam, about 10% are Shia Muslims, and a small percent follow other religions such as Zoroastrianism, Sikhism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism. Afghanistan is famous for cherished historical sites including forts, minarets, castles, statues, and palaces, as well as ancient crafts, and a variety of art forms. The Citadel of Herat, located in the center of Herat in the fertile Hari River Valley, is also known as the Citadel of Alexander. Between 1976 and 1979, the historic Citadel was excavated and restored by UNESCO, and after experiencing decades of conflict, several international organizations decided to rebuild it. In the historical trade center of Ghazni city, the Ghazni Minarets, the only architectural remnants of the Bahram Shah Mosque and artifacts of the great Ghaznavid Empire, are two elaborately decorated towers built of fired mud bricks in the middle of the 12th century. The Minaret of Jam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located in a remote region of the Ghor Province in western Afghanistan. The Minaret of Jam was built of intricate baked bricks around the year 1190 as a monument of the Ghorid Empire.

Located on the northeast coast of South America, Suriname is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the North, French Guiana to the East, Guyana to the West, and Brazil to the South. Paramaribo, the capital city, is home to approximately half of the country’s population. Though the smallest country in South America, Suriname is one of the world’s most diverse countries, so diverse in fact that it doesn’t have a racial majority. While it’s officially considered a Caribbean country, the nation is made up of a unique and beautiful blend of cultures, languages and religious faiths that live together in peace and harmony. Suriname’s cultural fusion is perhaps best reflected in its unique musical genre called Kaseko, which is most popular among Surinamese of African descent. Kaseko blends popular and folk music elements from Africa, Europe, and the Americas. It has a complex rhythm, which is maintained by percussion instruments, while the melody is often played by wind instruments, including the saxophone, the trumpet, and occasionally the trombone. Suriname’s diversity is also reflected in the people’s dress. The most traditional attire for Surinamese of African descent is a beautiful piece of colorful cloth called a Pangi, which is short for Pangani. There are different types of Pangi for different purposes and ceremonies, with different Pangi having fashionable, social and spiritual meanings. The arts and crafts of the Surinamese people have deep roots in the nearby Amazon Rainforest. Maroons are particularly famous for their intricate carvings, which are often in the form of useful household implements such as stools, cabinets and kitchen utensils. Besides its friendly and creative people, Suriname is famous, for its incredible tropical rainforests. The Central Suriname Nature Reserve was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000 for its pristine tropical rainforest ecosystem and its biodiversity. Suriname’s large forested area has made it carbon negative since 2014, meaning that it absorbs more carbon than it emits, thus doing its bit to reduce climate change.

The Taíno people are the indigenous people of the Caribbean. They lived in Jamaica, Cuba, Hispaniola (today’s Haiti and Dominican Republic), Puerto Rico, the Bahamas and the Lesser Antilles. The term Taíno is thought to mean “good people,” possibly a reflection of them being a welcoming group who built relationships with neighboring islands largely through travel over water via canoe. Talented canoe constructors, the early Taíno used tree trunks to create boats. The Taíno initially introduced the practice of horticulture to the Caribbean area, including in Antigua and Barbuda. Women were responsible for preparing the food, including cassava which was a staple in the diet.The Taíno were animistic in their spirituality, believing that all things possessed souls or spirits that could be either benevolent or malevolent. Today, many Taíno people recognize how important it is to care for our planet and see this connection with the Earth and nature as an integral part of their spirituality. Valerie Nanaturey Vargas-Estevez makes presentations on and is a teacher of Taíno culture. “So, to me, Taíno spirituality takes a great hold of me on a daily basis, from the moment I open my eyes and look at the sun and I thank Creator for everything. I try my best to take care of our Mother Earth that to me is so paramount. I hope that people understand and start changing the way they live so as to protect our Earth, our stars, our planet, our universe, for our children and all others that live here.” One particular study found that a large portion of Puerto Rican people are Taíno descendants. The findings have been embraced by the Taíno community. Taíno culture is becoming more renowned through the work of various people, such as Dr. Lesley-Gail Atkinson Swaby of Jamaica. Dr. Swaby studied Taíno culture for many years and was inspired to write a children’s book entitled “Boianani: A Taíno Girl’s First Adventure.”

“Inside a cave in a narrow canyon near Tassajara The vault of rock is painted with hands, A multitude of hands in the twilight, a cloud of men’s palms, no more, No other picture. There’s no one to say Whether the brown shy quiet people who are dead intended Religion or magic, or made their tracings In the idleness of art; but over the division of years these careful Signs-manual are now like a sealed message…” The poem “Hands” we just listened to is about the palm imprints found in the caves of Tassajara, which is situated deep in a mountain valley in the secluded Ventana Wilderness of California, the original home of the native Esselen people. The imprints of the palms were made by these people more than 3,000 years ago, and are likely to have either religious or magical significance, as the curious US poet Robinson Jeffers wondered. Jeffers’ succinct messages assert that modern-day humans should not despise these palm imprints by the Esselen as they were also human, and that people should be one with nature and enjoy the pristine beauty of the Tassajara without damaging it. One should not look down on one’s primitive ancestors as being barbaric and uncivilized, but instead bear in mind their relentless struggles for civilization and continued betterment of one generation after another. Civilization and progress are purely relative. So, who exactly are the Esselen people? They are an Indigenous American group whose language is part of the Hokan language family and are native to the Santa Lucia Mountains south of the Big Sur River in Big Sur, Monterey County, California. They used to live both on the coast and inland depending on the season. Men wore little clothing or were bare most of the time, while females may have worn a small apron, and in cold weather they may have applied mud to their bodies to keep warm. Throughout most of the year, the Esselen girls would gather acorns and other items from the forests to make into food. Their staple foods consisted of seeds of many varieties. The Esselen traded acorns, salt, baskets, beads, and other commodities with local tribes. The Esselen are a small tribe with customs similar to those of other California Native American tribes; however, they have different beliefs. To the Esselen people, many things such as the stars, trees, rocks, and minerals have power and are alive. They believe that rocks have memory and honor them by leaving their handprints on rocks.