Strong and Humble Dancer Series
Adinkra Symbol: Dwennimmen
13 3/4" x 10 3/4"
Strathmore Bristol 100 lb Paper
Linocut with Water-Based Ink
2024
The Process | This series was created from a carved linoleum block and printed by hand with water-based ink on paper.
The Bristol paper was soaked in water with the excess blotted off. Water-based ink was rolled onto the print plate, the blotted Bristol was placed on the inked plate, and rubbed with a baren and a roller. Each pulled print has unique imperfections that add to the overall design.
Specialty paper was collaged onto the dry print to make this piece.
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
