Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Gourds and Slavery

Gourds figure large in the world of slaves. Used for utensils, dollies, musical instruments, and buoys, slaves grow and used this hardy plant to meet many needs with money, time, and access did not allow for wooded, porcelain, or glass products. Musical instruments are a reflection of long-remembered African traditions handed down, generation to generation.

I believe my project will end up being a reflection of that gourd/slave connection. Follow the Drinking Gourd -- a ukelele decorated with the song, with stars, with traditional African symbols.

Q: What are traditional African symbols? Are there traditional African designs that incorporate stars? Are there stories of stars in the African culture?

No comments:

Post a Comment