Borders, Beadwork, and Funerary Iconography

This video examines how Myrlande Constant uses layered borders, intricate beadwork, and symbolic color schemes to convey meaning in her art. Kyrah Malika Daniels explains how the red and blue of the Haitian flag frame the piece, while purple, white, and black represent the Gede spirits—figures tied to life, death, and sexuality. The work’s funerary elements, including a beaded sash, evoke mourning and spiritual presence in the aftermath of the 2010 earthquake.

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  • Kyrah Malika Daniels wearing a brightly colored shirt and glasses

    Kyrah Malika

    Daniels

    Assistant Professor of African American Studies, Emory University

    Faculty Co-Coordinator, Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship Program