The Macuto is a bag made of dried palm leaves, called guano in the Dominican Republic, which serves different functions. It is utilitarian and used in rural areas to store items to travel distances with them. It also fulfils a magical role in Gagá, where the spirits of the group are said to inhabit as they embark on their pilgrimage. It is said to be filled with powers and secrets which protect the physical and spiritual integrity of the group—and is fed with offerings dedicated to the loa or loas who inhabit it.

This Macuto serves as my MA thesis’s portable shrine-bag, carrying knowledge as offering for versions of the self containing higher knowledge— the mind as an Orisha.

150x100cm. Muslin, beaded lace, paper.