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.
Originally minted during Proof Grails Season III, 2023.
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.