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. Together with a choreographer, they captured the essence of various regional dances, reinterpreting them in their unique artistic style.
The significance of this endeavor is encapsulated in a modern proverb: “ብሎክቼን ዉድ ሀብታችን የሆነዉን ባህል የምናስቀምጥበት ካዝና ነው” ("The blockchain is a vault for our cultural treasures"). In Ethiopian culture, dance is more than just movement; it is a profound expression of love and celebration, especially at weddings and gatherings, where dancing until one sweats is a sign of joy and affection. By placing this series on the blockchain, Yatreda has effectively carved these cultural dances into digital stone, ensuring their preservation as a lasting tribute to Ethiopia's heritage.
• Collection: Twelve 1/1 artworks released on Foundation, August 2021
ARSI OROMO, DEVOTION
1/1 non-fungible token of single-channel video, 2021
AMHARA, LION’S ROAR
1/1 non-fungible token of single-channel video, 2021
TIGRINYA NOBLE DAUGHTER
1/1 non-fungible token of single-channel video, 2021
TIGRINYA HEARTBEAT
1/1 non-fungible token of single-channel video, 2021
RAIN DANCE I
1/1 non-fungible token of single-channel video, 2021
RAIN DANCE II
1/1 non-fungible token of single-channel video, 2021
HARAR OROMO, SELAM
1/1 non-fungible token of single-channel video, 2021
THE PERFORMER
1/1 non-fungible token of single-channel video, 2021
THE LEGEND OF GONDAR
1/1 non-fungible token of single-channel video, 2021
MASENQO NOSTALGIA
1/1 non-fungible token of single-channel video, 2021
ELECTRIC KRAR
1/1 non-fungible token of single-channel video, 2021
WASHINT FOLKTALE
1/1 non-fungible token of single-channel video, 2021
CREATING MOVEMENT OF THE ANCESTORS
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.
PROOF GRAILS
Proof Grails is a unique platform where the identities of artists remain hidden during the minting process. Season 3 introduced new mechanics, including Editions and Series, offering a limited number of artworks that could be minted by Proof community members. Once the minting window closed, the artists were revealed during a live event, adding an element of surprise and discovery.
In Season 3, Yatreda contributed Dorze Duressa. The "Duressa" dance from the Dorze community of Southern Ethiopia. It represents power and courage, and is usually performed at funerals to honor a hero. The women sing "Come my Lion, come my Hero." Traditional dances are kept alive in the Dorze community by allowing kids to dance from an early age in weddings and other important ceremonies marking rights of passage.
• Collection: 1/11 editioned artworks minted during Proof Grails Season III, 2023
DORZE DURESSA
1/11 non-fungible token of single-channel video, 2023
PROOF GRAILS
Proof speaks with Kiya from Yatreda about the creation of Dorze Duressa for Proof Grails Season III. Kiya shares how the project preserves Ethiopian culture through the blockchain.