Movement of the Ancestors

Yatreda sought to preserve elements of the past that have endured to this day, turning to the rich tradition of dance as a timeless cultural expression. Working with a choreographer to capture and reinterpret regional dances, the collection holds a modern proverb: that the blockchain can preserve cultural treasures. In Ethiopian culture, to dance until you sweat is to show joy and affection.

Arsi Oromo, Devotion
Edition of 1 · Single-channel video, 2021
Provenance 0x3b3e…5405
Amhara, Lion’s Roar
Edition of 1 · Single-channel video, 2021
Provenance 0x3b3e…5405
Tigrinya Noble Daughter
Edition of 1 · Single-channel video, 2021
Provenance 0x3b3e…5405
Tigrinya Heartbeat
Edition of 1 · Single-channel video, 2021
Provenance 0x3b3e…5405
Rain Dance I
Edition of 1 · Single-channel video, 2021
Provenance 0x3b3e…5405
Rain Dance II
Edition of 1 · Single-channel video, 2021
Provenance 0x3b3e…5405
Harar Oromo, Selam
Edition of 1 · Single-channel video, 2021
Provenance 0x3b3e…5405
The Performer
Edition of 1 · Single-channel video, 2021
Provenance 0x3b3e…5405
The Legend of Gondar
Edition of 1 · Single-channel video, 2021
Provenance 0x3b3e…5405
Masenqo Nostalgia
Edition of 1 · Single-channel video, 2021
Provenance 0x3b3e…5405
Electric Krar
Edition of 1 · Single-channel video, 2021
Provenance 0x3b3e…5405
Washint Folktale
Edition of 1 · Single-channel video, 2021
Provenance 0x3b3e…5405
Dorze Duressa
Edition of 11 · Single-channel video, 2023

Originally minted during Proof Grails Season III, 2023.

Creating Movement of the Ancestors
Artwork

For Movement of the Ancestors, Yatreda envisioned a backdrop that would visually harmonize the diverse cultural dances from various regions of Ethiopia. To achieve this, Kiya and her team designed and built a custom curved metal stage specifically for the dancers’ performances. Behind-the-scenes footage of the stage’s construction was later used to promote the series, offering a glimpse into the meticulous craftsmanship and creativity that went into bringing this vision to life.