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Mariana San Martin is a Brazilian artist based in Rio de Janeiro who is fascinated by the human figure. She often deconstructs her portraits to create beautiful interactions between abstract forms and human faces. Her latest work is a series of torn portraits that were put back together amidst intricate copper thread stitching. Each art piece took around 18 hours to sew and is based on a different symbol from the Adinkra system.

Adinkras are symbols created by the Ashanti people, part of the Akans from western Africa. Each symbol in this system carries its people’s wisdom and expresses values and traditions. Originally used in farewell ceremonies, the Adinkra symbols spread throughout the world and are now part of our architecture, clothes, and objects. The intentions they carry remain, though, and spread with them.

This series, called Amuletos (Amulets in Portugues) is a realization of many intentions stitched in copper. Copper is a very conductive metal and was the first one to be used intentionally by humans. Sewing Adinkras with copper evokes our ancestry, the need to tell stories with symbols and to pass down wisdom. Each amulet emanates the wishes and knowledge its symbol conveys and the hope that we will let the good wishes they carry be part of our lives.

More info: marianasanmartin.com | youtube.com | Instagram

#1

Mmere Dane

Mmere Dane

From the Twi proverb “Mmere dane, dane”, which literally translates to “time changes, changes”. Life is like a flowing river, it can’t exist without constant change. We have to learn how to accept the natural flow of life so that our souls can be one with the whole.

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Swiss Cheese
Community Member
3 years ago

I really REALLY don’t understand how people have this level of talent

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    #2

    Funtunfunefu Dua

    Funtunfunefu Dua

    Translating literally to Siamese crocodiles, this symbol reminds us of the importance of tolerance and cooperation. Normally independent, the crocodiles are forced to coexist and unite in order to survive and for that have become a symbol that represents unity among different religions and cultures.

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    GenericPanda09
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    There's a good bit of defiance in those eyes......... a good bit.

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    #3

    Ananse

    Ananse

    Ananse Ntontan translates to "spider's web". Ananse is a very well-known character from African folktales. It was him, half man, half spider, who brought from the skies to Earth all the tales and stories. For that, he is the symbol of creativity, wisdom and the complexity of life.

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    fair_weather_rose
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    Ananse stories are really cool! I was raised on an international fruit salad of fairytales.

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    #4

    Fawohodie

    Fawohodie

    From the proverb “Fawodhodie ene obre na enam”, meaning “independence comes with its responsibilities”. This Adinkra is a symbol of freedom and independence and reminds us those are things that should always be used with wisdom.

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    𝓚𝓮𝓲𝓽𝓱
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    Her face is certainly free

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    #5

    Mako

    Mako

    Translating simply as "pepper", the word mako forms part of the proverb "All peppers do not ripen at the same time". Mako tells us that every person has their own time in learning and growing and gently reminds us that no situation is permanent. We must always lend a hand to those in need for the world is an ever-turning wheel and our place in it is ever-changing.

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    Alexandria Z
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    She knows things.

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    #6

    Nkyinkyim

    Nkyinkyim

    From the verb “Kyim” which means to twist, this Adinkra represents knowing how to adapt through the tortuous paths that make life’s journeys.

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    fair_weather_rose
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited)

    This one looks kind of like pencil shavings. I like it.

    #7

    Kojo Baiden

    Kojo Baiden

    Kojo Baiden means nothing less than the universe and its omnipresence. It's a protective symbol that embodies the idea of us, everyone and everything being connected. This relates to our intuition, if we are all one then everything and anything can be found inside of us, we just have to look for it.

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    Alexandria Z
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    All for one.

    #8

    Bese Saka

    Bese Saka

    Bese Saka means "a sack of cola nuts". Cola nuts grow spontaneously in Western Africa and are said to have healing qualities being used to treat from anemia to migraines and heart illnesses. Their important role in the economic life of Ghana made them a symbol of abundance, prosperity and unity.

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    𝓚𝓮𝓲𝓽𝓱
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    Wholesome

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    #9

    Awurade-Baatanfo

    Awurade-Baatanfo

    Meaning “God, the mother”, this Adinkra carries a feminine energy that translates into protection, nurturing and caring.

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    Alexandria Z
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    These are all incredible and inspiring. Thank you.

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    #10

    Hye Won Hye

    Hye Won Hye

    From the proverb “Hye wonhye” or “Burn you won ́t burn”, this Adinkra gets its meaning from the old practice of walking on fire without burning one's feet. It is a symbol of overcoming difficulties and enduring the wrongs in our lives.

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