synthetic braiding hair, 2022, 13x26 
 
Inspired by the Dogan Kanagu mask. A mask which was worn during funeral ceremonies with a goal to create safe passage of the souls of late family members. The top structure was known to be a symbol of the Gods. Hair has been known to be our communication to and from the Gods , as it is the highest point on our bodies. Black hair prior to slavery, represented many things, one being an individual's religion. Black hair has also played a role in churches; many only allowed in if they could pass the comb or brown paper bag test. With this piece, I aimed to intertwine and question the ideals of hair in relation to religion/the church. Thinking of how even today many schools (most Catholic) still have “Eurocentric” grooming policies; thinking of the 2019 case of Jediah Batts. I also thought of how during slavery we only really prepared our hair for church on Sundays; which made me think of Easter Sundays ,even to date. I was thinking of those lit up church signs (at night)you may see in more inner cities and urban areas. The ending result being a sort of upside down ankh or Ashanti doll.