MAPS: Chapter X
Arsema Inspiration | Mythic Wounds | Greater Kudu | Sofa Safari
Arsema’s 13th year initiation ritual and painted tattoos were inspired by all nine of the ethnic groups that comprise the Eritrean nation, while faithful to not any one. While The Ash Girl, and Arsema, are works of fiction, I do hope to elevate the beauty of the people of this region, especially as they continue to fight for basic human rights and agency within their own country.
The painting is by Annalie Solis—I have reached out to her about the use of her images but haven’t heard back so I am hoping that providing a link to her gorgeous work HERE is enough, for now.
Mr. Konabé, tailor, Ko tribe from Burkina from this article on scarification.
I first learned about wounding as part of ritualized myth from my good friend (in absentia) Joseph Campbell. The moment of wounding creates a binding connection between the physical body and the spiritual body, literally embedding the moment of transformation in both the body and soul. In the case of scarification then, for a lifetime one is reminded (and immediately recognized by others), of one’s belonging to your tribe and traditions. Scarification can be seen as a cultural mechanism for creating community, and serves as a living sign that says “Never Forget” (who and what you are.)
Today, in our western culture, we have explored how the neurologic formation of memories is enhanced when there is pain involved, either physical, mental, or emotional (often all 3). It is with this combined mythic and psychological perspective that Asmeret and Arsema exchange scars by biting through one another’s lips as a way of saying we belong to one another, never forget (in contrast to the extreme version of scarification—genital cutting—performed (still) on girls and boys in parts of the world).
Pain and wound-based rituals are extremely controversial today and while The Ash Girl doesn’t take a position it hopes to inspire conversation and future action that honors all aspects of ritualized myths and seeks to hear as many voices as possible before making judgments.
Asmeret, Princess of Disks and a Greater Kudu of the antelope family.
Kudu Bull Photo by Chad Cocking . . . go on virtual safari with Chad below (check out 5:15)!!!!
(this makes my HEART ACHE for the game drives in South Africa - Tanda Tula is in Kruger, adjacent to Makalali Reserve, which I visited in 2010. If the next chaps are LATE its because I am binge watching Sofa Safari!)
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