Unraveling the Threads of Bahamian Identity through Clay Sculpture: Anina Major’s artistic expression weaves together tradition, innovation, and resilience to preserve the cultural heritage of the Bahamas.
As Anina Major‘s hands move deftly over the clay, she is not just creating art, but reconnecting with her ‘Bahamian heritage.’ The woven sculptures that emerge from her studio are more than just beautiful objects; they are a testament to the traditions of her ancestors.
Growing up in the Bahamas, Major watched as her grandmother’s feet stepped on the sewing machine pedal, connecting woven plait strips. Other women visited to learn about weaving from Major‘s grandmother, and though she may not have received direct knowledge, she still felt the indirect transmission of that history. This connection to her family lineage is at the heart of Major‘s creative practice.
The Bahamas is a melting pot of cultures, with a rich history shaped by African, European, and indigenous influences.
The native Lucayan people inhabited the islands before Christopher Columbus's arrival in 1492.
Enslaved Africans were brought to the Bahamas, introducing their language, customs, and traditions.
British colonial rule further contributed to the unique cultural blend.
Today, Bahamian heritage is reflected in its music, art, cuisine, and festivals, showcasing a vibrant mix of African, European, and Caribbean elements.
Experimentation and innovation led Major‘s journey with ceramic weaving began unexpectedly, when a friend invited her to a community pottery class. As she worked with clay, she discovered a sense of comfort and curiosity that soon deepened into a committed pursuit. Her exploration led her back to her grandmother and the summers spent watching her craft souvenirs and baskets for the Bahamian tourist market. Translating the flexibility of straw into the rigidity of clay required relentless experimentation, as Major studied the material’s chemical properties and sought a way for clay to move with the pliability of palm.
Authenticity and innovation are at play in Major‘s technique is rooted in nostalgia, yet pushes the art form forward. Her woven sculptures are dichotomous – intricate and delicate, yet durable and seemingly pliable. By using the same techniques her grandmother taught, Major preserves that history and family lineage. Her practice is not just about creating beautiful objects but also about dispelling illusions of being from the Caribbean and fabricating images.
In a country where tourism drives 50 percent of the gross domestic product, Major‘s grandmother wove and sold crafts at local markets to help fund her daughters’ education. As Major tries to understand her ancestry through weaving, she reckons with the layered meanings of these handmade objects – charming to visitors but complex for those who make them. The very artifacts that shaped her identity are bound up in the realities of the service economy.
Located in the Atlantic Ocean, the Bahamas is an archipelago of more than 3,000 islands.
The country has a population of approximately 393,000 people and a total area of about 13,900 square kilometers.
The capital city is Nassau, which is also the largest city.
The Bahamas is known for its white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and coral reefs.
The economy is primarily driven by tourism, with visitors attracted to the country's natural beauty and rich history.
A new chapter is unfolding as Major‘s creative practice is evolving, as she continues to explore, question, and understand her own story. She sees her current series of ceramic sculptures as just the beginning – an ongoing practice through which she will continue to tap into the spirit and essence of who she is as a person. By translating ephemeral forms like straw and palm into clay, Major gives permanence to an impermanent craft, preserving its intricacies in a medium that endures.
Weaving, as traditionally practiced, is often an ephemeral form – straw and palm decompose, leaving little behind. By translating those materials into clay, Major preserves the intricacies of this traditional craft, while also adding another layer of understanding: it is a work of art. Her grandmother may not have called herself an artist, but to Major, she unquestionably was – a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of Bahamian women.
Bahamian weaving is a traditional craft in the Bahamas, where women weave baskets and other household items from palm fronds.
The technique involves splitting the fronds into thin strips, then weaving them together to create sturdy yet lightweight products.
Historically, these woven items were used for storage and carrying goods, but today they are often sold as souvenirs or decorative pieces.
