embedded in the floating world
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nmazca.blog embedded in the floating world |
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After some time, I began to see an elongated form with two spirals on each end. I closed my eyes a bit more to "see" it better, and it seemed that it emanated from a point, layered over itself, and my mind wanted to see the stylized S-shape double so that it was like a four-leafed, spiral clover. When my friend and I returned from the spring, I went to bed and began to write down some of what I thought the soak had stirred up in me. Included in this recap were several renditions of the form, which I recognized as an Adinkra symbol from West Africa.  Today I learned that the symbol is called Dwennimmen (djwin-knee-mann), which represents the ram's head (uh, hello, who's a double Aries?). As the text states: "The ram will fight fiercely against an adversary, but it also submits humbly to slaughter, emphasizing that even the strong need to be humble." A site for the Chicago State University Student Union Building mentions: "Dwennimmen represents humility and strength, wisdom and learning, excellence. It also relates to things pertaining to learning." Now what's funny is that since the night that this image sprang up, I've spent 6 or 7 hours a day, each day, in the Truth or Consequences library, amassing all sorts of information and practical data about astrology and herbalism... and a little esoterica for good measure. Another welcome bit of knowledge came my way a few minutes ago, as I perused one more index of Adinkra symbols. I noticed the Chi wara figure from Mali (Adinkra are from Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire) and I immediately recognized it from an exhibition that I saw at the Dayton Art Institute* two years ago... I was struck by the carving's grace and sketched it right then and there. What I've just learned is that Chi wara (in its male and female forms) invokes the presence of the antelope deity that is said to have provided the Bambana people with their knowledge of agriculture. Dance and ritual with Chi wara headresses is performed to proceed with planting and harvesting. Now, for those of you who know me (and my horticultural inclinations): Think about that, and visualize me sitting in front of a PC, eyebrows raised, saying "Ohh. I see." * Ooh! DAI has an Edward Weston show going on until July. Adinkra, Bambana, Chi wara |
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