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Mike CrisolagoI am a 29-year old Toronto-based journalist and writer who has a passion for theatre, literature, history and baseball...
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Arts at the Heart, Yonge-Dundas Square (10)One wouldn’t expect to find traces of the San and Kalahari Bushmen in the heart of downtown Toronto. But hanging from the beams of a white tent and flanked by curious onlookers, bow and arrow sets hand-carved by tribes in the Kalahari Desert rock gently in the late afternoon breeze.
Paul Wellhauser, the Waterloo-born owner of Nharo!, spends three months in Africa each year collecting authentic Kalahari and San Bushman crafts, weapons and jewellery. He then brings them back to Canada to sell at festivals like Arts at the Heart - a makeshift artisan market that celebrates art and crafts from around the world.
“People like fair trade, and we try to bring things that are unique and authentic and people react well to that,” Wellhauser said.
Wellhauser’s African imports join a number of other exhibits at Yonge and Dundas Square. Displays include clothing, jewellery, artwork and even skin-care products representing a range of mostly South American and African cultures, though Mexican and Asian products also enjoy table space. The authenticity of the products sold by the vendors makes them stand out among the bright lights and brand names surrounding the square.
“The thing we hear consistently from people is that they can’t find the things that we sell,” Wellhauser said. “We’re individuals who travel to places where there are indigenous people. And who can do that but individuals.”
For past events, Wellhauser has even brought Bushmen back with him to meet and interact with customers.
Daisy Ojeda, who sells clothing and jewellery from her native Peru, says customers enjoy browsing through the unique merchandise the market boasts.
“They like it and they say it’s really amazing,” Ojeda said.
The enjoyment, however, goes both ways. Many who flocked to Wellhauser’s booth were invited to browse a photo album paying homage to the indigenous people he works closely with.
“Some people in Toronto aren’t aware of those tribes,” Wellhauser said. “So we’re able to show them pictures and talk about the people and their culture and traditions.”
And how do the tribes in Botswana and Namibia react when word gets back about the popularity of their wares half way around the world?
“They’re happy,” Wellhauser said.
Arts at the Heart runs every weekend until October 14th.