The Watch, 2006
pocket watch, wood, 40 x 5 x 3 cm


“While completing a research project in the Amazon Rainforest, a renowned scientist got acquainted with the local natives. They were friendly and provided essential help to the development of his research. One of the natives with whom the scientist interacted most often was intrigued by an object this man carried around with him. The object was a pocket watch of great value to the scientist, since it had belonged to his grandfather.

When the research came to an end, the scientist and his team started organizing their departure from the forest. At this time, the scientist realized that without the friendly reception and help of the natives, he could not have gone far with his investigation, one that had changed his professional life. He then decided to give away his pocket watch as a thankful gesture to the native that had helped him.

On the following day when the research team was going back to the city, he noticed that his pocket watch had been abandoned and was hanging on a tree. Seeing this, the scientist stopped the car to get his watch back, and ordered the team to go back to the village to inquire about this situation. When asked why he had done it, the native seemed confused. He didn’t understand the scientist’s concern about the object. Then, the native told him that he thought the scientist would like him to hang the watch on the tree, because it was the same thing he had seen the scientist do with his bow and arrow in his home.”