April 2021
Have you ever considered what a female Kuker would look like?
KUKERKA
Personal Project ︎︎︎
Made in WooodMakerspace
The Kukeri ritual is a traditional Bulgarian custom that takes place before Lent, where elaborately costumed men, called Kukeri, dance and walk through villages to scare away evil spirits with their masks and the sound of their bells. The ritual is believed to bring good fortune, health, and happiness to the village throughout the year. The Kukeri traditionally visit people's houses at night to avoid being seen by the sun.
In many cultures, traditional rituals and roles are often gendered, which can exclude women from participating. This project explores the concept of a female Kuker, imagining what she might look like and how she could take on the same role of scaring away evil spirits and bringing good fortune to the village.
The ceramic mask created for this project is inspired by the Bulgarian tradition and is intentionally smaller and more feminine than the male masks. However, it is no less frightening, with bold and vibrant hues that reflect the spirit of the celebration.
The female Kuker is a symbol of empowerment, challenging gender stereotypes and encouraging women to take on roles that have traditionally been reserved for men. My aim is to create a conversation around cultural gender disparities and encourage more inclusivity in our communities.
The ceramic mask created for this project is inspired by the Bulgarian tradition and is intentionally smaller and more feminine than the male masks. However, it is no less frightening, with bold and vibrant hues that reflect the spirit of the celebration.
The female Kuker is a symbol of empowerment, challenging gender stereotypes and encouraging women to take on roles that have traditionally been reserved for men. My aim is to create a conversation around cultural gender disparities and encourage more inclusivity in our communities.