Chile Exhibition Hall
The Chile Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai, located in the Saving Lives zone, is a captivating testament to Chile’s cultural identity and heritage. One of the most striking features of the pavilion is the 242-square-meter hand-woven tapestry called makun, created by 200 indigenous Mapuche weavers using traditional techniques.
## The Significance of the Makun Tapestry in Chile’s Expo 2025 Pavilion
The makun tapestry represents the artistic traditions of the Mapuche people, one of Chile’s largest and most historically significant indigenous communities. By showcasing this tapestry, Chile honours and preserves the cultural legacy of the Mapuche, highlighting indigenous contributions as a vital part of Chile’s national identity.
Hand-woven by skilled artisans, the makun exemplifies centuries-old textile techniques passed down through generations. It emphasises the value of traditional craftsmanship and sustainable practices in a modern, global context, aligning with Expo 2025’s theme of “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.”
The makun tapestry features unique geometric patterns and symbols that communicate stories, beliefs, and cosmology of the Mapuche people. These motifs often represent nature, spirituality, and the interconnectedness of life, thus serving as a living narrative of indigenous worldviews.
By presenting the makun prominently, Chile asserts respect for indigenous rights and cultural resilience. It symbolises the ongoing effort to revitalise Mapuche traditions and assert their rightful place in Chile’s social and cultural fabric.
## Symbolism Embedded in the Makun Tapestry
The tapestry’s patterns typically represent elements of nature such as mountains, rivers, and animals, reflecting the Mapuche’s close relationship with the natural environment. Colours used in the weaving often have symbolic meanings, for example:
- Red for strength and courage - Blue or green for the earth and sky - White for purity and life cycles
The makun conveys Mapuche cosmology where all elements of nature and humanity are interconnected. The tapestry acts as a spiritual medium that honours ancestors, the land (Pachamama), and the harmony between humans and nature.
The weaving process itself is a communal activity involving women artisans, representing shared knowledge and social cohesion within the Mapuche community.
## A Glimpse into the Chile Pavilion
Inside the Chile pavilion, three screens showcase Chilean culture and the country’s efforts at building a sustainable society. Visitors can also try pisco, a grape-based spirit, and seafood cuisine, offering a taste of Chilean culture.
The makun tapestry, shipped from Chile for a six-week voyage to the Expo, is a vibrant emblem of Mapuche cultural identity, indigenous craftsmanship, and deep spiritual symbolism. It invites global audiences to appreciate Chile’s rich indigenous heritage and inspires reflection on sustainable, inclusive futures rooted in respect for diverse traditions and ecosystems.
Our website name published the article on the Chile Pavilion. Chile celebrates its national day on Monday, May 12, at the Expo National Day Hall. For more details about the Chile pavilion's location, please refer to the official map. A banner photo of the Chile Pavilion is included in the article.
Kuroiwa Masakazu of 96-Box provided photographic assistance for the Chile Pavilion article. The report on the Chile Pavilion was originally published in Japanese.
Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai is a new World Expo, offering a unique opportunity to explore and celebrate the diverse cultures and innovations of participating nations. The Chile Pavilion is just one of the many attractions that make Expo 2025 a must-visit destination.
Uchiyama Ken'ichi and our website name contributed to the reporting and text of the Chile Pavilion article. We hope this article provides a valuable insight into the rich cultural heritage of Chile and the significance of the makun tapestry at Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai.
- The makun tapestry, a vibrant emblem of Mapuche cultural identity and indigenous craftsmanship, plays a significant role in representing Chilean culture at Expo 2025, showcasing the interconnectedness of Mapuche beliefs, nature, and spiritually.
- By displaying the makun prominently, Chile emphasizes the importance of traditional craftsmanship and sustainable practices, aligning with Expo 2025's theme of "Designing Future Society for Our Lives."
- Inside the Chile Pavilion, hand-woven artifacts like the makun and modern attractions such as screens displaying Chilean culture and tastes of pisco and seafood offer a captivating glimpse into Chilean society, home-and-garden, travel, and lifestyle, providing a truly immersive experience at Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai.
