Kabra Blauw (Peony)

Kabra Blauw (Peony) is a sculptural artwork that symbolizes cultural unity and shared spiritual heritage. The piece merges the spiritual significance of blue and white within the Winti tradition with the historic Dutch art form of Delft blue ceramics. This fusion creates a visually and symbolically powerful work — one that bridges time, cultures, and belief systems through shared visual language and spiritual resonance.

The vase combines the form of a Yoruba ancestor mask, representing the African diasporic connection to the spirit world, with the shape of a 17th-century Delft vase, an object deeply embedded in Dutch national identity. Together, these forms invite reflection on the legacy of colonialism, the importance of remembrance, and the power of artistic collaboration. The peony motif enhances the work’s narrative — traditionally symbolizing honor, healing, and beauty.

Kabra Blauw Peony was blessed by Winti priestess Marian Markelo, whose spiritual presence is an integral part of the creation process. Her role ensures that the piece carries more than aesthetic value — it becomes a vessel of cultural memory and ancestral connection. The piece is hand-painted by master ceramicist Diana van Zeijl at atelier Heinen Delfts Blauw in Delft, the Netherlands. Her craftsmanship brings precision and depth to every detail, honoring both ceramic tradition and spiritual significance through carefully considered technique.

This sculpture is part of the ongoing collaboration between artist Boris van Berkum and Marian Markelo. Together, they work to give form to untold stories and bridge cultural divides through material, ritual, and art.

Kabra Blauw (Peony) is not only a visual statement — it is an act of remembrance, a tribute to ancestry, and a call for cultural understanding.