Key Takeaways
1. Guardians of Culture: The Last Stand
So often, we hear stories about the first person to do something: the innovators, the pioneers, the ones who move us forward. But rarely is there a whisper for the last person to carry on a tradition, or a pause to look back and consider how these rites have shaped us and the places we come from.
Preserving the Past. The book highlights the importance of recognizing and honoring the individuals who are the last practitioners of unique cultural traditions. These "custodians of wonder" are often overlooked in favor of innovators, yet they hold invaluable knowledge and skills that are at risk of being lost forever.
Silent Loss. Many beautiful and fascinating human practices are dying a silent death, and it's only after they vanish that we realize what has been lost. The book urges us to pay attention to these fading customs and aging artisans before it's too late.
- The author profiles individuals around the globe who are preserving distinct cultural wonders.
- These traditions are often on a perilous path toward extinction due to globalization and modernization.
- The book serves as a love letter to the people, places, and practices that make the world such a wondrous place.
A Call to Action. We owe these aging craftsmen, fading customs, and quiet gestures more. The book is a call to action to honor these individuals while they are still alive and to recognize the profound impact their traditions have on our world.
2. The Power of Oral Tradition: Living Libraries
In our culture, we say when a djeli dies, an entire library of knowledge dies with him.
Oral History as a Foundation. The djelis of West Africa, particularly the Kouyaté family, serve as living history books, preserving the ancient stories, culture, and traditions of the Mande people. Their oral chronicles have been passed down for centuries, providing invaluable insights into the Mali Empire and its legacy.
More than Storytellers. Djelis are not just storytellers; they are historians, praise singers, ambassadors, and mediators. They memorize and recite national epics, recall family genealogies, announce births and deaths, and oversee important family events.
- The Kouyaté family has been the guardian of the balafon for 27 generations.
- The Sosso-Bala, the original balafon, is kept in a remote village in Guinea.
- Djelis are the pop stars and divas of Malian music, and their stories have inspired films and soap operas.
A Legacy at Risk. The disappearance of djelis would mean the loss of a vast library of knowledge, as they preserve the collective memory of their people. The book emphasizes the importance of recognizing and supporting these living libraries.
3. The Night Watchman: A Beacon in the Dark
When I blow the horn, everything is calm. When I stop blowing, there’s a problem. The people of Ystad need their watchman.
A Medieval Guardian in the Modern World. Roland Borg, the night watchman of Ystad, Sweden, is one of the last remaining practitioners of a centuries-old tradition. He climbs the tower of Saint Mary's church every night to watch over the town, sounding his horn to reassure residents that all is well.
More than a Job. The night watchman's role has evolved from a practical necessity to a symbol of tradition and security. In Ystad, the watchman is an inescapable presence, and his calls are as much a part of the town as the wind and sea.
- The Borg family has been serving as Ystad's night watchmen for over 100 years.
- The watchman's role has historically been to protect against fires, thieves, and other dangers.
- The watchman's calls provide a sense of comfort and continuity for the town's residents.
A Fading Tradition. As technology advances, the role of the night watchman has become increasingly obsolete. The book explores the question of who the last night watchman needs to watch when technology sees everything.
4. The Inca Bridge: A Testament to Ingenuity
Trust yourself, have faith in the apus, and don’t look down.
A Bridge Woven from Grass. The Q'eswachaka, the last remaining Inca suspension bridge, is a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the Inca Empire. It is made entirely of grass and is rebuilt every year by the communities that rely on it.
A Living Tradition. The bridge's construction is not just a feat of engineering but a living expression of Inca culture and community. The process involves the participation of hundreds of people from four surrounding communities, who come together to cut, braid, and weave the bridge.
- The bridge is made from q'oya ichu grass, which is braided into strong cables.
- The bridge is rebuilt every year using the same methods as the Inca.
- The bridge master, Victoriano Arizapana, is the latest in an unbroken line of chakacamayocs.
A Connection to the Past. The Q'eswachaka is more than just a bridge; it is a symbol of the Inca's bond with nature and their ability to overcome geographical challenges. It represents the duality of the Andean worldview, connecting both sides, physically and spiritually.
5. Threads of God: The Rarest of Pasta
But the secret is right in front of you. It’s in my hands.
A Culinary Masterpiece. Su filindeu, the rarest pasta in the world, is made by a few women in Nuoro, Sardinia, using a complex and time-consuming technique. The pasta is made by pulling and folding semolina dough into 256 perfectly even strands, creating a delicate latticework.
A Sacred Tradition. Su filindeu is more than just a food; it is a sacred host, deeply connected to the biannual Feast of San Francesco. The recipe and technique have been passed down through generations of women in the same family.
- The pasta is made with only three ingredients: semolina wheat, water, and salt.
- The process requires a deep understanding of the dough and a delicate touch.
- The pasta is served in a thick soup of mutton broth and fresh pecorino.
A Tradition at Risk. The book explores the challenges of preserving this unique culinary tradition, as fewer and fewer women are willing to take on the demanding task of making su filindeu.
6. The Mirror of Truth: Seeing Beyond Reflection
I have no peripheral vision in my right eye... It didn’t affect my job.
A Mirror That Reveals Your Truest Self. The Aranmula kannadi, a rare metal-alloy mirror from southern India, is believed to reveal a person's truest self. Unlike standard mirrors, it is front-reflecting, providing a perfect reflection without distortion.
A Sacred Craft. The mirror's formula and production technique have been passed down through generations of the Vishwakarma community. The process involves melting and mixing copper and tin in a precise ratio, and then polishing the metal to a mirror finish.
- The mirror is believed to bring prosperity and luck.
- It is often given as a gift at weddings, births, and housewarming ceremonies.
- It is used in Hindu holy rites to examine one's body and soul.
A Legacy of Resilience. The book explores the challenges faced by the last remaining makers of the Aranmula kannadi, as they struggle to preserve their craft in the face of modernization and economic hardship.
7. The Art of the Billboard: A Fading Canvas
I’ve painted thousands of films in my lifetime, but my name has never been in the credits, and I’ve never signed my work. Still, in some small way, I feel like I’m a part of the movie production.
A Larger-Than-Life Artform. Yan Jhen-fa, a billboard artist in Tainan, Taiwan, is one of the last remaining practitioners of a once-common art form. He creates massive, hand-painted movie posters that adorn the marquees of the city's theaters.
A Reflection of Taiwanese Identity. The book explores how hand-painted movie posters in Taiwan have historically reflected the island's unique culture and identity. These posters have served as a canvas for artists to express their creativity and connect with their communities.
- Yan has been painting movie posters for over 50 years.
- He uses a combination of traditional techniques and his own unique style.
- His work is a testament to the power of human creativity and imagination.
A Tradition on the Brink. As digital printing becomes more prevalent, the art of hand-painted movie posters is fading away. The book highlights the importance of preserving this unique cultural tradition before it is lost forever.
8. The Sacredness of Bees: A Family Affair
The bees are part of my family, so it’s just good manners.
A Deep Connection with Nature. The tradition of "telling the bees" is a unique and touching custom that reflects a deep connection between humans and nature. Beekeepers who practice this rite believe that bees are part of their family and should be informed of important events.
A Ritual of Respect. The practice of telling the bees involves sharing news of births, marriages, and deaths with the hive. It is a way of honoring the bees and acknowledging their role in the family's life.
- The tradition is most often practiced in the British Isles.
- It involves draping a black cloth over the hive during times of mourning.
- It is believed that failing to tell the bees can result in bad luck or the loss of the colony.
A Fading Custom. The book explores the origins of this tradition and its significance in the lives of those who still practice it. It also highlights the importance of preserving these unique cultural practices before they disappear.
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FAQ
What is Custodians of Wonder by Eliot Stein about?
- Exploration of endangered traditions: The book profiles 10 of the world’s rarest and most dazzling cultural marvels on the edge of disappearance, told through the last people alive preserving them.
- Global journey: It spans five continents, introducing artisans, keepers, and protectors maintaining these traditions against all odds.
- Personal and historical reflection: Stein weaves his own experiences as a journalist with the stories of cultural custodians, reflecting on the impact of globalization and the pandemic on cultural preservation.
Why should I read Custodians of Wonder by Eliot Stein?
- Insight into disappearing traditions: The book offers a rare glimpse into endangered cultural practices, emphasizing their importance in a rapidly globalizing world.
- Human stories behind customs: Stein’s narrative humanizes these traditions by focusing on the custodians’ lives, struggles, and passions, making the book both educational and emotionally engaging.
- Broader understanding of identity: Readers are challenged to consider how culture, history, and tradition influence personal and collective identity, fostering empathy and global awareness.
What are the key takeaways from Custodians of Wonder by Eliot Stein?
- Value of last custodians: The book urges readers to honor and learn from the last people preserving ancient customs, as their knowledge and stories are irreplaceable treasures.
- Culture as living heritage: Traditions are dynamic and evolve through personal dedication and community participation, with survival depending on respectful transmission to future generations.
- Inspiration to rediscover wonder: Stein invites readers to rekindle curiosity and appreciation for the world’s diverse cultural marvels, reminding us that there is still much to discover and cherish.
Who are some of the key cultural custodians featured in Custodians of Wonder by Eliot Stein?
- Balla Kouyaté, Mali’s last griot: A 49-year-old balafon player and oral historian, Balla is the latest in a 27-generation line preserving the Mali Empire’s history through music and storytelling.
- Roland Borg, Scandinavia’s last night watchman: For 57 years, Roland has patrolled the tower of Ystad’s Saint Mary’s church in Sweden, continuing a family tradition dating back to 1921.
- Victoriano Arizapana, last Inca bridge master: He leads the annual weaving of the Q’eswachaka, the last Inca suspension bridge made of grass in Peru.
- Paola Abraini, su filindeu pasta maker: One of only four women who know how to make this rare Sardinian pasta, tied to a sacred feast and centuries-old family tradition.
- Sudhammal J., Aranmula kannadi mirror maker: A rare female artisan in Kerala, India, who inherited the secret formula for crafting sacred metal-alloy mirrors.
What are some of the most fascinating ancient customs and traditions explored in Custodians of Wonder by Eliot Stein?
- West African griots and oral history: Custodians who preserve the epic of Sundiata and Mali’s history through storytelling and music.
- Taiwanese hand-painted film posters: Artists like Chen Tze-fu and Yan Jhen-fa who created vibrant posters that shaped Taiwanese identity.
- Japanese kioke soy sauce brewing: The Yamamoto family’s centuries-old method of fermenting soy sauce in cedar barrels.
- German Bridegroom’s Oak: A matchmaking tree with its own postal address, symbolizing German romantic and forest traditions.
- Inca rope bridge masters: The annual rebuilding of the Q’eswachaka bridge in Peru, a living link to Inca engineering and community.
How does Custodians of Wonder by Eliot Stein portray the role and significance of West African griots?
- Living archives of history: Griots like Balla Kouyaté preserve and recite the Mali Empire’s history, genealogies, and cultural memory through music and storytelling.
- Vital cultural continuity: Their role is crucial as the empire’s written records are scarce, making oral tradition the main vessel for history.
- Challenges of modernity: The book highlights the tension between preserving heritage and adapting to life abroad, as well as the urgency to pass on this legacy before it disappears.
What is the story behind the Q’eswachaka bridge and its importance in Custodians of Wonder by Eliot Stein?
- Last Inca suspension bridge: The Q’eswachaka is the only remaining grass-woven suspension bridge from the Inca Empire, rebuilt annually by local communities in Peru.
- Symbol of unity and resilience: The bridge’s construction involves hundreds of villagers and honors Inca traditions of reciprocity and respect for nature.
- Cultural and historical significance: Its annual renewal is both a practical necessity and a sacred ritual, embodying the Inca’s engineering genius and social organization.
How does Custodians of Wonder by Eliot Stein explore the tradition of hand-painted film posters in Taiwan?
- A vanishing art form: Artists like Yan Jhen-fa and Chen Tze-fu have created thousands of hand-painted posters, a tradition nearly extinct worldwide.
- Shaping Taiwanese identity: These posters reflected local experiences and helped foster a sense of Taiwanese-ness distinct from mainland China, especially during martial law.
- Preservation challenges: With the rise of digital printing and theater closures, artists strive to keep the tradition alive through apprenticeships and personal dedication.
What is unique about the tradition of su filindeu pasta as described in Custodians of Wonder by Eliot Stein?
- World’s rarest pasta: Su filindeu, meaning “threads of God,” is made by pulling and folding semolina dough into 256 fine strands, woven into a lace-like pattern.
- Sacred cultural tradition: The pasta is tied to the biannual Feast of San Francesco in Sardinia, where pilgrims undertake a long barefoot journey to receive it.
- Endangered craft: The process is labor-intensive and requires years to master, with only four women currently able to make it, highlighting the fragility of the tradition.
How does Custodians of Wonder by Eliot Stein address the impact of globalization and modernity on cultural traditions?
- Global homogenization threat: The book highlights how globalization and technological advances contribute to the loss of unique languages, customs, and crafts worldwide.
- Pandemic’s exacerbating effect: COVID-19 intensified challenges for cultural custodians by disrupting audiences, markets, and community gatherings essential for sustaining traditions.
- Call for preservation: Stein advocates for greater recognition and respect for the last practitioners of endangered traditions, emphasizing the urgency of documentation and support.
What are some specific challenges faced by traditional soy sauce brewers in Japan, according to Custodians of Wonder by Eliot Stein?
- Decline of kioke barrels: The cedar barrels essential for authentic fermentation are aging, with few craftsmen left who know how to build or repair them.
- Industrialization impact: Modernization led to stainless steel vats and chemical fermentation, producing soy sauce lacking the depth of traditional brews.
- Preservation efforts: Brewers like Yasuo Yamamoto lead workshops to teach kioke-making and advocate for reviving traditional methods to save authentic washoku cuisine.
What are the best quotes from Custodians of Wonder by Eliot Stein and what do they mean?
- “To educate is to free.” — José Martí: Highlights the power of knowledge and literacy, exemplified by Cuban cigar factory lectores who empowered workers through reading.
- “There is no bad weather, only bad clothing.” — German proverb: Reflects the German embrace of nature and resilience, tied to the concept of waldeinsamkeit and forest connection.
- “The essence of soy sauce came from China, but the way of making it has been perfected here, to the point that soy sauce as we know it today is undeniably Japanese.” — Keiko Kuroshima: Emphasizes cultural adaptation and mastery in culinary tradition.
- “I believe they have a consciousness.” — Yasuo Yamamoto on soy sauce bacteria: Suggests a spiritual and symbiotic relationship between humans and microbes in traditional food production.
Review Summary
Custodians of Wonder is highly praised for its fascinating exploration of rare cultural traditions and the people keeping them alive. Readers appreciate Stein's engaging storytelling, blending history, culture, and personal narratives. The book is lauded for its ability to transport readers to different worlds, offering insights into disappearing customs. While some chapters are more captivating than others, most reviewers found the book informative, thought-provoking, and beautifully written. Many recommend it as a perfect gift for those interested in history, culture, and unique global traditions.
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