Trance dance

'Trance Dance' © 2013 Claire Passmore

Trance Dance

South Africa has some of the most complex and sophisticated of all the world’s symbolic arts. The rock art of the San people can be seen in many places throughout the country, and by understanding specific San beliefs researchers have been able to understand and interpret the images painted on the rock.

Far from modern day western views of life, much of the art focuses on a particular part of San experience: the spirit world journeys and experiences of San shamans. Of particular importance to the San is the trance dance, in which the shamans gain access to the spirit world.

This art quilt is an interpretation of piece of rock art in the Mooi river district of Kwa-Zulu-Natal. It is a circular Trance Dance showing the shaman in the centre of the dance, kneeling and laying hands on the patient. 

Made using  hand dyed fabrics, free cut curved piecing, raw edge applique, fabric paints and hand stitched embelishment.