To enter the plantation house of "Rooi Catootje" is to step into a world where time stands still; where it is impossible not to be overwhelmed by a sense of history. From a very early age, Mr. Maduro had been a fervent collector of documents, books, manuscripts, archivalia and periodicals relating to Curaçao and the Dutch West Indies. These ranged from publications of major historical significance such as paper clippings and photos of Lindbergh's visit to Curaçao, to the mundane: calendars and invitation cards, menus and other day-to-day items which provide insight into everyday life. The collection is carefully complemented with postcards, phonograph records, stamps, bank notes and coins. Naturally, documentation on the history of the Jewish community in Curaçao also forms a major section of the library. Some unique publications which are found in this collection include a comprehensive and chronical description of the Urbina invasion of 1929. The Jewish roots of the local community are firmly captured in the pristine "Memorias Senior" (c.a. 1750) and "Memorias Curiel" (c.a. 1730). Finally one of the earliest documents "exposing" the indigenous "papiamentu" language can be found in the form of "Il dialetto Curassese" by Teza (1863). The Special Exhibition One room has been set aside to honor the memory of Mongui's widow, Louise. It primarily contains her collection of the sea-shells and numerous handicraft objects. The latter were formerly for sale at the "Vereniging Huisvlijt" (Home Industry Association) of which she had been President for thirty-nine years.
|
||||
|
Mongui Maduro Collection is situated in no ordinary library. Rather this
remarkable collection is housed in antique cabinets, admidst a household
setting that appears to have changed little since the heyday of the plantation
houses.
