The Narrative Within

Curse dolls

Posted on April 16, 2014 by Art for Housewives

curse doll

Found in a jar along with an inscribed tablet, this Curse Doll is now at the Louvre.

Voodoo dolls were around even in ancient Greece. Above is an example of a Curse Doll. Called by the Greeks, the arms and legs were twisted behind the back, nails pierced them and a name was inscribed on it. The idea was to ask the gods to harm someone.

Curse Doll via Ancient Greek Curses

a Kolossos

Similar to Curse Dolls in terms of intention are Curse Tablets.

Above is a Curse Tablet found in London. Inscription reads: “I curse Tretia Maria and her life and mind and memory and liver and lungs mixed up together, and her words, thoughts and memory; thus may she be unable to speak what things are concealed, nor be able.”

related links: Curse Tablets of Roman Britain + A Roman Lead Curse Tablet + Ancient Magic Curse Tablet Found in Jerusalem + Roman Curses Appear on Ancient Tablet + Roman ‘curse tablet‘ found in Kent

Posted in Health & Healing | Tagged Curse Dolls, Curse Tablet, voodoo doll | 2 Comments

Spider Woman

Posted on April 15, 2014 by Art for Housewives

From Frida’s huipiles to the weavers who made them to the mythology behind weaving…

Journeying to the Goddess

“Spider Woman’s themes are magical charms and growth. Her symbols are spiders and woven items. Spider Woman appears in the myths of the south-western Native Americans as a resourceful helper who spins magical charms and each person’s fate. No matter what problems or obstacles you face, Spider Woman creates the right network of energy to put you on the road toward accomplishment.

In metaphysical traditions, all life is seen as a network within which each individual is one strand. Spider Woman reveals the power and purpose of each strand psychically and keeps you aware of those important connections in your life. To augment this, get a Native American dream catcher, which looks like a web, and hang it over your bed so Spider Woman can reveal her lessons while you sleep. Or, carry a woven item with you today. It will strengthen your relationship with this ancient helpmate and extend…

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Posted in Ecofeminism | Tagged Coatlicue, Grandmother Spider, Spider Woman, The Great Goddess of Teotihuacan, Xochiquetzal | 2 Comments

Viva Frida!

Posted on April 15, 2014 by Art for Housewives

Frida, towards the latter part of her life, began painting still-lifes esp. of watermelons…sandia forever

Silver Birch Press

Frida Kahlo (July 6, 1907 – July 13, 1954)

On this date in 1954, Frida Kahlo left her body — at just 47 years old — but left us with her visionary, inspiring body of work. She resisted when art critics called her work “Surrealist,” saying: “I never painted dreams. I painted my own reality.” Her last painting depicted sliced watermelons — and in one of the slices she painted, “Viva La Vida” (live the life — or live life). A gifted writer as well as painter, Frida was the author of the illustrated Diary of Frida Kahlo, available here. (Note on above illustration: Mural in Los Angeles by Siner; photograph by Patrice Raunet)

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Posted in People | Tagged Frida Kahlo, Viva la Vida | Leave a comment

The weaving of Guatemala

Posted on April 14, 2014 by Art for Housewives

Why Evolution Is True

When I say that Guatemala is a colorful country, I mean that literally. The descendants of the Maya pride themselves on their weaving, and the women turn out in the most elaborate and wonderful clothes. I am not at all an expert on this topic, but thought I’d post some of my pictures here, accompanied by what little I know about the weaving.

First: what it’s like in a real Guatemalan market. This is market day in the town of Solola, near the town of Panajachel, on Lake Atitlan. “Pana” is touristy, but the market is not, probably because it sells basics for locals rather than trinkets. In my several hours in the Friday market (the locals always wear their finest on market day), I saw not one other tourist. (Click on the photos to see detail of the clothes.)