Dr. Olsen's Web--Warao Indians of Venezuela: Music and Culture

Welcome to the case studies index of "Ethnomusicology as Advocacy," an internet information project that includes musical introductions to cultures in peril, transition, or near extinction. Through these case studies we hope to teach the Internet public about the music, dance, and other creative arts of many such cultures. It is our belief that musical knowledge may contribute to cultural awareness and help to create cross cultural understanding. If we can learn to appreciate and understand the music, dance, and related creative arts of other cultures, we can hopefully learn to appreciate those cultures and the people that comprise them. Then, perhaps, we can be in a better position to help such cultures survive. This concept is not about the survival of music, per se (although that would also be desirable), but is about the survival of cultural groups.

How can ethnomusicology contribute to cultural survival? How can ethnomusicologists be advocates for cultural survival? Dissemination of knowledge to the Internet masses is perhaps a step in the right direction. With these musical-cultural case studies we wish to share our ideas about world cultural diversity, beauty, value, and survival through music.