Strong and Humble Dancer | AP 5/7

Strong and Humble Dancer Series 

Adinkra Symbol: Dwennimmen

13 3/4" x 10 3/4" 

Linocut with Water-Based Ink on Thin Rice Paper

2024

The Process | This series was created from a carved linoleum block and printed by hand with water-based ink on rice paper to proof the design. The AP stands for artist proof. Water-based ink was rolled onto the print plate, the rice paper was placed on the linoleum plate, and rubbed with a baren. 

Rice Papers are not actually made using rice or even rice plant fibers! The term "rice paper" comes from the translucent nature of the papers themselves; the paper has a translucency that is similar to a grain of rice. This paper was made from the white inner bark of the paper mulberry tree; Broussonetia papyrifera.

Each pulled print has unique imperfections that add to the overall design.

The Why | Adinkra symbols were reserved for kings and have been attributed to the Akan and Asante people groups of present-day Ghana, West Africa. There are over 200 symbols representing concepts or aphorisms. And, hair styles in African societies were a form of cultural expression. For the Zulu Kingdom and other Bantu peoples, Bantu knots held important symbolic meaning. It was used in coming-of-age rituals and ceremonies, and the number and pattern of knots could indicate a person’s marital status, age group, or milestone events. 

I'm always looking for ways to include what I love into my artwork - dance, Adinkra symbols, and Bantu knots were the perfect companions for this piece.

No mat 

No frame