Nkisi binding envisions African traditionalism in bookbinding

Video shows wooden, coptic bound book throughout various stages of decoration and binding in slow motion.

“As I sit in my workshop, carefully carving the wooden covers for my latest Coptic bound handmade book, I can’t help but feel as though I’ve traveled through time. I’m transported to a period where African libraries were never burned down and where the knowledge of generations past was preserved for future generations.

I think back to my childhood and the significance of the Yoruba Orishas that I was exposed to. The cowrie shell Elegua figures and the beautiful ancestral altars were a constant presence in my life, and they instilled within me a deep respect for African culture and tradition. I was fascinated by the stories of the past, the myths and legends that shaped our ancestors’ beliefs and practices. As I carved, I felt as though I was paying homage to those stories, to those traditions that had been passed down through generations.

The act of carving the wooden covers was a meditative experience for me. Each graze of the tip brought me closer to a deeper understanding of myself and my heritage. The wood itself seemed to whisper secrets of a time long ago, and I felt as though I was unlocking the knowledge of the past with each movement.

As I bound the pages of the book, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment. This was not just a book, but a testament to my roots, to my culture, and to the importance of preserving the knowledge of the past for future generations. The Coptic binding was a nod to the ancient African traditions of bookbinding, and I felt honored to be able to continue that legacy in my own small way.

As I put the finishing touches on the book, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the experiences of my past that had led me to this moment. The Yoruba Orishas, the cowrie shell Elegua figures, and the ancestral altars had all played a role in shaping my journey. And as I held the book in my hands, I knew that it was not just a physical object but a tangible representation of my culture and heritage.

Carving this wooden, Coptic bound handmade book has been a transformative experience for me. It has allowed me to travel through time and connect with the knowledge of my ancestors in a way that I never thought possible. And as I continue to create these books, I know that I am contributing to the preservation of our shared cultural history.”

— J. Lumumba

The art of bookbinding is more than just a craft. It is an art form that can communicate a message, a belief, or a cultural identity. One such example is the Coptic handmade book, which is not only a beautiful piece of art but also a reflection of African traditionalism.

An nkisi, also known as a power figure, is a type of sculpture that is found in various African cultures. These figures are believed to be imbued with spiritual power, and they are used for various purposes, such as healing, protection, and divination. In this uniquely bound sculptural piece, we see an nkisi in the form of a Coptic bound book, which is a unique combination of African traditionalism and Christian art.

The Coptic handmade book is a form of bookbinding that originated in Egypt during the Coptic period, from the 2nd to the 7th century AD. It is made by sewing together folded pages and attaching them to wooden covers. The covers of a Coptic handmade book can be embellished with various symbols and designs, each with its own meaning and significance.

One of the most striking symbols of this Coptic handmade book is the use of Adinkra symbols and cowrie shells on the wooden covers. Adinkra symbols are a visual representation of concepts and ideas that are deeply rooted in African culture. These symbols are often used to convey messages of wisdom, proverbs, and even history.

Cowrie shells, on the other hand, have been an important symbol in African culture for centuries. In many African societies, cowrie shells were used as a form of currency, and they were also believed to have spiritual significance. In some cultures, cowrie shells were used as a divination tool, while in others, they were used to communicate with the gods.

In this Coptic handmade book, the cowrie shells carved into the wooden covers symbolize wealth, power, and status. They also represent the connection between the physical and spiritual worlds, as they were believed to have the power to communicate with the divine. Notice how they are placed as the eyes of the nkisi.

Together, the Adinkra symbol and cowrie shells used in this Coptic handmade book create a powerful visual representation of African traditionalism. They communicate the wisdom, values, and beliefs that have been passed down through generations of African people. As such, this Coptic handmade piece is not just a book, but a cultural artifact that tells a story of African heritage and identity.

Coptic Christians and African traditionalism have many differences, but they also share some similarities. Coptic Christianity is a branch of Christianity that originated in Egypt, and it has its own distinct practices and beliefs. African traditionalism, on the other hand, is a set of beliefs and practices that are found in various African cultures, and it often involves the worship of ancestors, spirits, and deities.

The Coptic bound book is a form of bookbinding that was developed by Coptic Christians during the 2nd to the 7th centuries AD. The technique involves sewing together folded pages and attaching them to wooden covers. The covers can be decorated with various symbols and designs, and they are often made of high-quality materials, such as leather or papyrus. The coptic bound stitch symbolizes strength and is a braid, a common stitch in African culture as well.

When a nkisi is incorporated into a Coptic bound book, it creates a unique blend of African traditionalism and Christian art. The nkisi is carefully hand carved into the wooden covers of the book, and it is believed to imbue the book with spiritual power. This power can be used for various purposes, such as healing, protection, and divination.

The nkisi in this Coptic bound book is a powerful symbol of African traditionalism. It represents the connection between the physical and spiritual worlds, and it is believed to have the power to communicate with the divine. However, it also represents a merging of cultures and beliefs, as it is housed within a Christian artifact.

The use of an nkisi in a Coptic bound book is a testament to the creativity and adaptability of African cultures. It shows how traditional beliefs can be incorporated into modern forms of art and how cultural exchange can lead to new forms of expression.

In conclusion, the nkisi is a unique and powerful symbol of African traditionalism, and seeing one in the form of a Coptic bound book is a testament to the creativity and adaptability of African cultures. While Coptic Christians and African traditionalists may have their differences, they also share a common heritage and a deep respect for the power of art and spirituality. The merging of these two traditions in the form of a Coptic bound book is a beautiful and inspiring example of cultural exchange and artistic expression.

A list of scholarships for BIPOC bookbinders (with links!)

Bookbinding is an art form that has been around for centuries, with techniques and styles that have evolved over time.

The bookbinding community is made up of passionate artists and craftsmen who create beautiful books that are both functional and artistic. However, despite the rich history of bookbinding, there is a need for more diversity in this field.

Bookbinding, like many other traditional art forms, has historically been dominated by white male artists. This lack of diversity is problematic because it limits the range of perspectives and experiences that are represented in the art form. It also perpetuates a culture of exclusion, making it difficult for BIPOC artists to enter the field and succeed.

One of the reasons why diversity is so important in bookbinding is that it brings fresh perspectives and new ideas to the art form. When artists from different backgrounds and cultures come together, they bring their unique experiences and perspectives, which can help to push the boundaries of what is possible in bookbinding. This can lead to exciting new techniques, styles, and designs that can help to keep the art form relevant and engaging.

Another reason why diversity is important in bookbinding is that it helps to make the art form more accessible to a wider range of people. When people see artists who look like them creating beautiful books, it can inspire them to explore bookbinding themselves. This can lead to a more vibrant and diverse community of artists and enthusiasts who are passionate about bookbinding.

However, achieving diversity in bookbinding is not easy. It requires a concerted effort from everyone in the bookbinding community, from artists and craftsmen to publishers and educators. It requires a commitment to inclusivity and a willingness to listen to the voices of BIPOC artists and make the necessary changes to ensure that they feel welcome and supported.

One way to encourage diversity in bookbinding is to provide more opportunities for BIPOC artists to enter the field. This can be done through scholarships, mentorship programs, and outreach initiatives that help to introduce bookbinding to underrepresented communities. It is also important to create a culture of inclusivity within the bookbinding community, where BIPOC artists feel welcomed and supported.

Diversity is crucial for the future of bookbinding so I decided to create a list of scholarships for BIPOC bookbinders and book artists. By embracing a more diverse range of perspectives and experiences, we can help to keep the art form fresh and relevant, and create a more welcoming and inclusive community for everyone. It is up to all of us in the bookbinding community to make this happen, and to work together to create a future where bookbinding is accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

I hope it helps!

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The Diversity in Book Arts Scholarship: This scholarship is open to BIPOC artists who are interested in studying book arts at the Oregon College of Art and Craft.

1. The American Academy of Bookbinding (AAB) Scholarship for BIPOC Artists: This scholarship is awarded annually to BIPOC artists who are interested in pursuing bookbinding as a career or expanding their skills. The scholarship covers the tuition fee for one of the AAB's courses. https://www.americanacademyofbookbinding.org/scholarships/bipoc-artist-scholarship

2. The Guild of Book Workers Diversity Initiative Scholarship: The Guild of Book Workers offers two scholarships to BIPOC artists to attend a bookbinding course. The scholarship covers the tuition fee and a stipend for travel and lodging expenses. https://guildofbookworkers.org/scholarships/diversity-initiative-scholarship

3. The Women's Studio Workshop BIPOC Artist Residency Grant: The Women's Studio Workshop offers a residency grant to BIPOC artists who want to pursue bookbinding or other book arts. The grant covers the residency fee, materials, and a stipend for living expenses. https://wsworkshop.org/grants-residencies/residency-grants/bipoc-artist-residency-grant/

4. The Center for Book Arts Scholarship for BIPOC Students: The Center for Book Arts offers a scholarship to BIPOC students who are interested in bookbinding, book arts, or related fields. The scholarship covers the tuition fee for one of the Center's courses. https://centerforbookarts.org/opportunities/scholarships/

5. The San Francisco Center for the Book Scholarship for BIPOC Artists: The San Francisco Center for the Book offers a scholarship to BIPOC artists who are interested in bookbinding, letterpress printing, or other book arts. The scholarship covers the tuition fee for one of the Center's courses. https://sfcb.org/scholarships-and-grants/bipoc-artist-scholarship/

6. The North Bennet Street School BIPOC Scholarship: The North Bennet Street School offers a scholarship to BIPOC artists who are interested in bookbinding, book conservation, or other craft-related fields. The scholarship covers the tuition fee and a stipend for living expenses. https://www.nbss.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/bipoc-scholarship

7. The Asheville Bookworks BIPOC Scholarship: The Asheville Bookworks offers a scholarship to BIPOC artists who are interested in bookbinding or other book arts. The scholarship covers the tuition fee for one of the Bookworks' courses. https://ashevillebookworks.com/bipoc-scholarship/

8. The Morgan Art of Papermaking Conservatory and Educational Foundation BIPOC Scholarship: The Morgan Art of Papermaking Conservatory and Educational Foundation offers a scholarship to BIPOC artists who are interested in bookbinding, papermaking, or related fields. The scholarship covers the tuition fee for one of the Conservatory's courses. https://morganconservatory.org/scholarship-programs/bipoc-scholarship/

9. The Book Arts League BIPOC Scholarship: The Book Arts League offers a scholarship to BIPOC artists who are interested in bookbinding, letterpress printing, or other book arts. The scholarship covers the tuition fee for one of the League's courses. https://www.bookartsleague.org/bipoc-scholarship.html

10. The Minnesota Center for Book Arts BIPOC Artist Scholarship: The Minnesota Center for Book Arts offers a scholarship to BIPOC artists who are interested in bookbinding, letterpress printing, or other book arts. The scholarship covers the tuition fee for one of the Center's courses. https://www.mnbookarts.org/classes/bipoc-scholarship/

Want to learn how to make your own books?

Connecting through Art: How a Driftwood Journal Strengthened a Friendship

Do you ever feel like you've lost touch with someone you used to be close to?

I know I have. That's why when I saw an Instagram post for a Caterpillar stitch book art contest, I used the opportunity to connect with my long-time friend and her young daughter, MacKenzie.

MacKenzie is a playful girl and I wanted to make something special for her. I decided to use a piece of driftwood I found on the beach as the cover for her journal. The wood had a beautiful texture and color that I knew MacKenzie would love.

To add a pop of color, I chose a fluffy green thread to bind the pages together. I wanted the journal to be unique and eye-catching, just like MacKenzie's striking beauty.

As I worked on the journal, memories of my friendship with MacKenzie's mother flooded back. We had been so close in middle school but had drifted apart over the years. Making this journal felt like a way to bridge that gap and reconnect with her as well.

When I give MacKenzie the journal, I hope her eyes light up with excitement. It’s my wish that she loves the way the driftwood feels in her hands and the way the green thread contrasts with the wood. Maybe one day we can talk more about her mothers art and what inspires her.

Creating this book art piece not only gives me the chance to reconnect with my friend’s daughter but also allows me to express my creativity and make something special for someone I care about. Art has a way of bringing people together, and this project is no exception.

If you're feeling disconnected from someone, try creating something for them. Whether it's a painting, a piece of jewelry, or a journal, the act of making something with love can help strengthen your bond and bring you closer together. Who knows – it may even lead to a new and lasting friendship.

Want to learn how to make your own books?