COVER ART: VERONICA ELDREDGE

COVER ART: VERONICA ELDREDGE

By Veronica Eldredge

This piece is an ode to the grinding, pounding, mixing of molcaxitl and texolotl, kutni ಕುಟ್ನಿ and kutto kallu ಕುಟ್ಟೋ ಕಲ್ಲು, suribachi 擂鉢 and surikogi 擂粉木, the mortar and pestle, a tool shared by many cultures across the globe, and in our own communities.

Almost every culture has a version of this ancient tool, which is still used in daily life, in the preparation of traditional and holistic medicines, foods, and making paint. During the pandemic, many of us have turned to our traditions for healing, comfort, and guidance, and we may also have created some new practices.

“..which is still used in daily life, in the preparation of traditional and holistic medicines, foods, and making paint.”

The importance is in feeling connected to our ancestors and those around us, future ancestors who someday will become ancestral. There is power and beauty in feeling connected to those who have gone before us. Practicing our traditions is what gives them life, and in turn, nourishes us. Whether they be centered around food, dance, music, visual arts – traditions are often centered around an act of creation and building connection. I wanted to create something that brings the behind-the-scenes to the forefront, centered around food and healing.

“The importance is in feeling connected to our ancestors and those around us, future ancestors who someday will become ancestral.”