Myal
“Using wood, natural forest products, and fabric from three countries, I share work that represents the water crossings that are part of the Maroon story—from our origins in Ghana to the Trelawny Town Maroons’ exile from Jamaica to Nova Scotia.”—TW
Myal is a collection of ceremonial objects and instruments used spiritually among the Jamaican Maroons. For centuries, these instruments have been used to guide Maroons towards myal—a sacred moment of communion with their ancestors.
Watch the video (right) or browse the gallery below.
Tyshan Wright, Gumbe IV, 2021. Wood, goat skin, rope; 58.4 x 61 x 61 cm. © Tyshan Wright. Photo: Steve Farmer
Tyshan Wright, Gumbe V, 2021. Cow horn; 63.5 x 43.2 x 43.2 cm. © Tyshan Wright. Photo: Steve Farmer
Tyshan Wright, Gumbe III, 2021. Wood, goat skin, Maroon beads, kente cloth; 58 x 61 x 61 cm. © Tyshan Wright. Photo: Steve Farmer
Tyshan Wright, Aunt Fairy, 2017. Maroon beads; 91.4 x 91.4 x 35.6 cm. © Tyshan Wright. Photo: Steve Farmer
Tyshan Wright, Bench Drum, 2021. Wood, goat skin, Maroon beads; 22.9 x 48.3 x 22.7 cm. © Tyshan Wright. Photo: Steve Farmer
Tyshan Wright, Shaker, 2021. Wood, Maroon beads, coconut, rope; 8 x 17 x 8 cm. © Tyshan Wright. Photo: Steve Farmer
Tyshan Wright, Sankofa, 2017. Wood, Maroon beads, kente cloth; 32.1 x 6.4 x 6.4 cm. © Tyshan Wright. Photo: Steve Farmer
Tyshan Wright, Rackla, 2017. Wood, Maroon beads, kente cloth; 31.8 x 105.4 x 105.4 cm. © Tyshan Wright.
Tyshan Wright, Gumbe II, 2017. Wood, Maroon beads, kente cloth; 35.6 x 33 x 33 cm. © Tyshan Wright. Photo: Steve Farmer
Tyshan Wright, Cimarron, 2016. Cow horn; 7.6 x 26.9 x 7.6 cm. © Tyshan Wright. Photo: Steve Farmer
Tyshan Wright, The Conquerer, 2009. Maroon beads; 15.2 x 8.5 x 2 cm. © Tyshan Wright. Photo: Steve Farmer
Tyshan Wright, Aunt Fairy, 2017. Maroon beads; 15.2 x 8.5 x 2 cm. © Tyshan Wright. Photo: Steve Farmer