(121)
$200.00
|
“Children playing”
20” x 40” (2001 )
Monochrome
linoleum-print
(also available in hand-colored)
(Ltd. Edition)
'Eresupa', which means 'playing in the moonlight' is a common scene,all
over Yoruba land. This daily activity involves both young and old
especially children whenever there is moonlight. To the elders it is a
way of resting and appreciating the work of nature
and at the same time teaching or passing on vital information about
life to the children. Youth usually use this time to exercise
themselves in all aspects of life while it also serves as a good time
for the children to
learn. In this picture, there are three major scenes. Below you see
children sitting attentively with an old man and learning from him through
story telling, his life experiences and the history of the land.
Children have the right to choose what type of play they like to take
part in at a particular time. While some are playing 'e ma weyin' that
is, 'don't look back', as seen in the middle of the picture. This
actually means that if you are asked not to look back you should be
sensitive to what is going on around you. Others are busy
running around doing "boju boju o……" which is a song that means
'someone has closed his eyes , hide yourself, when he opens his eyes
he's coming to catch you'. As the song goes on everybody goes to
hiding places.
The player is released to look for the rest of the people. If he is
able to catch a person the person will replace him. If not he will have to
do it over and over again until he is able to catch someone.
The moon
is shown surrounded by very beautiful design to show her glory. We
were made to believe that the moon is a woman taking care of her child
while her dog, a very bright star, always very
close to
her, is
following
her.
All these are surrounded by traditional symbols of Yoruba aesthetics,
each of which
carries a message to show the root of the inspiration. |
