Ye'kuana: Basketry Symbology

A Portal to a Parallel World
Published by the Juan Carlos Maldonado Art Collection

Step into the intricate and symbolic world of the Ye’kuana people through the pages of Ye’kuana: Basketry Symbology—a breathtaking exploration of Indigenous culture, craft, and cosmology. Authored by renowned Venezuelan explorer and ethnobotanist Charles Brewer-Carías, this visually stunning publication uncovers the deep spiritual and symbolic meaning behind the traditional woven basketry of the Ye’kuana people of Venezuela.

Originally published in 2019, this definitive work blends cultural anthropology, natural history, and fine art. With a prologue by Juan Vicente Carrillo-Battala Mattar, striking photography by Fanny Brewer, Charles Brewer-Carías, Javier Mesa, and Ignacio Benavides, and thorough research and storytelling from Brewer-Carías himself, this book serves as both a visual feast and a scholarly treasure.

Ye’kuana: Basketry Symbology is more than just a book—it’s a gateway into the cosmogony and creative expression of a remarkable Indigenous culture. For lovers of anthropology, craftsmanship, and South American heritage, this volume is an essential addition to your collection.

About the author:

Charles Brewer-Carías (born 10 September 1938 in Caracas, Venezuela) is a Venezuelan explorer and naturalist. Known as the “Humboldt of the twentieth century”, Brewer-Carías has led more than 200 expeditions to remote parts of the Venezuelan Guayana, particularly the tepuis (table mountains) of the region. His discoveries include the sink holes of Cerro Sarisariñama and the world’s largest known quartzite cave, Cueva Charles Brewer. Around 27 species of animals and plants have been named in his honor, including the bromeliad genus Brewcaria.

Details

• Hardcover 
• 470 pages 
• Language: English and Spanish editions