Specimen of the Month: Fish-based Culture

What would the Northwoods be without fish? Many fish species thrive in northern Wisconsin's cool, clear waters. In turn, fish support or area's culture, economy, and ecology.

The Ojibwe of this area have valued giigoonh (fish) as a source of sacred food and wisdom both traditionally and today. They continue to harvest fish throughout the year: using nets and spears in the early spring, with hook and line in the summer, and with carved decoys through the ice in winter. 

Our relationship with fish may differ across locations, cultures, and time, yet it's clear that fish tend to play an important role in cultures around the world. In Panama, fish provide both food and fashion. Both the warm ocean waters of the Pacific and Atlantic on either side of the thin country, and the various rivers of the lush rainforest within, support a variety of fish who have been incorporated into Panamanian dishes from breakfast to dinner. As our Museum group visited Panama last month, we quickly became accustomed to fish in most dining situations.  

The Embera Drua village regularly hosts visitors to share
their traditional lifeways along the Chagres River of central Panama.
The women prepare a lunch of grilled tilapia and fried plantain. 
The clear waters of the Chagres River support four species of 
fish regularly eaten by the villagers. 

The significance of fish goes beyond their ability as food - they even lend towards beautiful cultural outfits! As we visited the cultural hubs of the Herrera Province, we learned how elements of nature, like river clay and fish scales, are incorporated into the vibrant lifestyles of today's Panamanians. As part of the polleras outfit, fish scales are dyed and used in beautiful hair accessories mimicking flowers - called tembleques. Our group learned first-hand how these pieces are made during our visit, and our appreciation for fish has forever been changed. 

These beautiful outfits worn by dancers, originating in the Herrera Province
of Panama, require meticulous artistry. Notice the colorful headpieces - 
the tradition of fresh flowers has transformed into intricate pieces made
of dyed fish scales and beads that tremble when moved.