Bibliographische Detailangaben

1. Verfasser:	Brett-Smith, Sarah (VerfasserIn)
Format:	Artikel
Sprache:	English
Schlagworte:	Textile fabrics, Dogon Decoration and ornament, Dogon Women, Dogon Dogon symbolism Dogon resist-dyed cloth Dogon design
Beschreibung:	The esoteric Dogon graphic sign systems are well documented in the literature as preserves of adult men. But what of women's signs? Brett-Smith analyzes "the symbolism and aesthetics of the white, linear designs dyed into indigo cloths by Dogon women, and interpret(s)--these patterns as the product of an organized method of using signs" (page 164). One of the traditional Dogon cloths is the embroidered indigo shawl (souna), which (unlike plainer indigo cloths) emphasizes the design elements with its bright cotton thread embroidery. Its symbolism is overt, as for example in the amulet pattern (sewe in). However, it is the empty space of the blue-black indigo cloth, symbolizing fertility, the "feminine" earth, that significantly is more important than the white (dead, lifeless) designs placed on it. Brett-Smith argues (and gives specific examples) that "the background of a design or its placement can determine meaning as much as or even more than the shape of the design itself ... The meaning seems to rise up out of an 'empty' field rather than being inscribed upon it" (page 164)
Beschreibung:	Illustrationen
ISSN:	0277-1322