May contain traces of...
Food Anthropology Research
Designer-researchers Giulia Pompilj and Polina Slavova explore the rice grain's journey to Suriname and its intertwined narratives of cultural preservation, identity, and market dynamics.
This food anthropological study challenges our understanding of food consumption by intersecting geopolitics, food, and visual art. Through a tableware collection, we visually narrate the historical trajectory of rice within the borders of Suriname– a former Dutch colony. Focusing on three specific rice varieties between the 16th to the 20th century. Oryza Glaberrima represents cultural and spiritual preservation, introduced from West Africa to Bahia (Brazil) in 1530. Oryza Sativa showcases the intermingling of cultures through its journey from Southeast Asia to West Africa. SML, a genetically modified rice grain, symbolizes control and economic expansion.
Tracing the rich history of food ingredients, "May contain traces of…" offers profound insights into our present reality. Scientific research, artifacts, and captivating stories come together to explore the rice grain's journey and its impact on cultural preservation, identity, product and human trades, and ingredient commodification.
This project has been realised thanks to the invaluable support and expertise of Writer Tessa Leuwsha, Biologist Tinde van Andel, Professor Ruben Gowricharn, Historian Matthijs Kuipers.
