Custodians of Wonder

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.

Last updated: February 3, 2025