@theartofstephenhamilton, "Ruth Ayuso as Nnimm Woman Descending" 👌🏾 72" x 60" Acrylic, embossed brass, natural dyes/pigments on burlap and handwoven raffia cloth It was the #Ejagham priestesses of Nnimm who carried the secrets of the river spirit. Nnimm is the crocodile and the great river serpent, hidden in watery depths. Her symbols are river clays, shells and smooth stones eroded by the current. In this way the Nnimm goddess is tied to an ancient tradition of feminine river spirits that manifest themselves all over West Africa. Water gives life, water cools, cleans and refreshes. We enter the world in a rush of water, but water also drowns. Water hides dangerous animals, water can sweep away entire towns. Yet no matter what the river may take from you, you will still drink from it. Across west Africa the power of the river is so often tied manifestations of feminine spiritual power and agency. The power to bring life comes with the power to take it away. It was the Nnimm women that held that power among the ancient Ejagham. . . Rush Ayuso as Nnimm woman descending, along with other pieces from #THEFOUNDERSPROJECT is up at the front lobby of the Bruce C. Bolling building 2300 Washington st Boston, MA. . . . #supportblackart #stephenhamilton #rushayuso #nigeria #naija #crossriver #ejagham #calabar #cameroon #africanfashion #africanart #spirit #handwoven #handdyed #artistsoninstagram #blackart #blackisbeautiful #blackgirlmagic #painting #mixedmedia #nsibidi #westafrican #africandiaspora (at Roxbury, Massachusetts) https://www.instagram.com/p/BsLiOO4Dj35/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1bs8g2yeopo8y
