Crafting A New Life in the Treasury Valley
March 20 - May 2, 2010
Idaho State Historical Museum
Boise’s cultural landscape changes continually, as new
refugees arrive from distant places such as Somalia,
Bosnia, Burma, Bhutan, Uzbekistan, Burundi, and Iran,
among others. These new settlers bring their own stories
of separation and loss, tales of survival and resilience, and
memories of home. The word home evokes a sense of
stability and belonging; a place filled with loved ones and
familiar objects, and shared history. The comforts of home
are so ingrained in our daily lives, we may take them
for granted.
Refugees are uprooted from this deep sense of place,
and then must begin an involuntary journey to find home
in a new land. They may spend years living in refugee
camps before resettling in host communities in the United
States or elsewhere. Home becomes a transitional space, as
people adapt to continually changing circumstances often
beyond their control.
Carrying only a suitcase, refugees bring treasured
remnants from their former lives to anchor themselves
in new surroundings. Hand-embroidered linens, woven
cloth, traditional garments, cooking tools, baskets, musical
instruments, and more are tucked in with photographs,
documents, and other necessities. Much is left behind.
Yet cultural knowledge endures. Songs, stories, and
recipes, among many other artistic and cultural traditions,
live in the hearts of refugees traveling across the globe in
search of a safe haven. Domestic arts are universal to all
cultures. The way we adorn our homes or dress for special
occasions speaks to our identity, highlighting both our
distinctiveness and common humanity. The Comforts of
Home invites you to explore some of the traditional art
forms Boise’s refugee communities bring with them—from home to home.
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