This artwork serves as my abstract expression of reclaiming vital aspects of African spirituality and pride that have been overshadowed for too long by racist tropes and tyranny.
The depiction of chicken has persistently been a tool for the dehumanization of Black individuals. Anti-Black propaganda, exemplified by minstrel images and notorious films like Birth of a Nation, perpetuated this harmful stereotype. However, what remains largely unknown is the significance of chicken bones in various African spiritual practices. In some traditions, these bones are used as conduits to communicate with ancestors and spirits. They are believed to hold powerful properties in spells designed to protect individuals, homes, and loved ones. These often-overlooked truths served as the inspiration for creating the crown. Through it, I sought to convey the positive manifestations of connection to our ancestors.
In my collage, the young African male is depicted clad in Napoleon Bonaparte's military uniform, symbolizing a profound reclamation of power that echoes the revolutionary spirit of those who triumphed over Napoleon’s forces in Saint-Domingue. This imagery also serves as an artistic tribute to Toussaint Louverture, the prominent leader of the Haitian Revolution.
Moreover, the word Ebony resonates deeply as a symbol of social justice and cultural pride. It encapsulates the essence and purpose of this artwork: to project the myriad dimensions of our identities in a world inundated with stereotypes—a bold reclamation of our truth.
Artwork Title: Reclaiming
Medium: Digital Collage
© Tamiko Greene. Artworks cannot be reproduced and distributed without permission.
.png)
