Slavery Altar

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Prayer Altar for the Healing of Slavery in America

c. 2009

 

Healing Slavery Altar c. 2009

Healing Slavery Altar c. 2009

The Goddess Yemanja prays for the many African souls that died crossing the Middle Passage into slavery. Those Africans that survived the journey crossed over into another hell – slavery; where little by little their dignity, culture, history, and families were stripped away.They cried out to Yemanja as they were inspected like cattle and sold on the auction block

They cried out to Yemanja during beatings from the Master’s whip

They cried out to Yemanja when their children – husband – sister – mother – brother were sold to another plantation so that Master’s family could live a better life and become wealthy

They prayed to Yemanja for strength as they worked the fields; cooked in Master’s kitchen; cleaned  Master’s house and when they couldn’t go any further

When they sleep, Yemanja comes into their dreams and  provides comfort and healing

The story quilt behind the altar honors the many African ancestors that were sold into slavery.  The digital ghost like images tell the story of how they were treated. West African and Batik fabrics were used and symbolize where African Americans came from. The wandering stitches throughout represent the journey that we continue to travel in search of freedom.

The book “Hidden in Plain View” tells the oral story of how quilt patterns were used to help African Americans escape and travel the Underground Railroad to freedom. According to the story, when a quilt with the log cabin pattern was hung over the fence, it meant this place was a safe haven. This book inspired the  quilt.

Take a moment and pray for all the lost souls!

Starting point for installation c. 2009

Starting point for installation c. 2009

Making the Yemanja doll c. 2009

Making the Yemanja doll c. 2009

Dressing the Goddess Yemanja c. 2009

Dressing the Goddess Yemanja c. 2009

Goddess Yemanja placed on altar c. 2009

Goddess Yemanja placed on altar c. 2009

Detail of Goddess Yemanja c. 2009

Detail of Goddess Yemanja c. 2009

Goddess Yemanja's altar with Slavery Quilt c. 2009

Goddess Yemanja

Artist with Goddess Yemanja c. 2009

Artist with Goddess Yemanja c. 2009