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Prayer Altar for the Healing of Slavery in America c. 2009
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Healing Slavery Altar c. 2009 |
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| 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! |
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Starting point for installation c. 2009 |
Making the Yemanja doll c. 2009 |
Dressing the Goddess Yemanja c. 2009 |
Goddess Yemanja placed on altar c. 2009 |
Detail of Goddess Yemanja c. 2009 |
Goddess Yemanja |
Artist with Goddess Yemanja c. 2009 |
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