1994

Mothers and the Presence of Myth

American, born 1948

Harris is a member of the artist collective AfriCOBRA. The group was formed in 1969 to promote a black aesthetic by creating art that reflected the experiences and cultural sensibilities of people of the African diaspora and to instill pride among all people of African descent. Harris drew from Yoruba culture—one of the major foundations of African American traditions—for this tribute to the power of mothers and their blessings. Birds represent women’s spiritual power; the word àse (upper right) stands for the animating force in the universe (often symbolized by a snake); dúpé ò means “we give thanks”; and oriki fún awon iy wa translates to “praise song for our mothers.”