Sipapu
Years ago, whilst living and studying in U.S.A., I was strongly influenced by Native American Culture with its gentle approach to the world, its belief that spirit is inherent in all things, and with the attitude that ‘less is best’ – the ultimate statement of conservation of the environment.
In Hopi Culture, the Shaman dwells in ‘a kiva’, an underground dwelling lit by fire, and a tribesperson wishing to speak with him descends through a small hole in the ground, called a ‘Sipapu’. The hole is filled with smoke from the underground fire. The descent through the smoky ‘Sipapu’ represents the transition from the physical world to the spirit world.
These ‘Sipapu’ pieces are my interpretation of the transition from the secular to the spiritual. The works are enclosed in Perspex boxes, which are a part of the aesthetic of ‘other culture’ as well as providing protection essential for delicate works in fibre.
Image 1: Sipapu (pine needles, silk thread, copper, feather) 70 mm diameter x 130 mm high.
Image 2: Sipapu (orchard prunings, raffia dyed with indigo) 150mm x 150 mm x 220 mm.
Image 3: Sipapu (orchard prunings, raffia dyed with indigo, shibori on cotton) 150 mm x 150 mm x 150 mm.
Image 4: Sipapu (maple twigs, cotton thread dyed with indigo, shibori on cotton for the base) 150 mm x 150 mm x 150 mm.
Image 5: Sipapu (maple twigs, cotton thread dyed with indigo, shibori on cotton for the base) 150 mm x 150 mm x 150 mm – detail
Image 6: Sipapu (paper (red hot poker), orchard prunings) 220 mm diameter x 600 mm high.