2021. white stoneware clay. part of the Matriarch series.
meet deborah, meaning ‘honey bee.’ rosh hashanah (the jewish new year) begins this evening, and one of the ways of celebrating the sweetness of the new year is by dipping apples in honey.
deborah is named in honor of the biblical prophet, judge, military strategist, and poet. she is a singular figure, as she is the only female judge mentioned in the bible. (the title of judge in her day was only given to military victors.) her song is the oldest known example of hebrew poetry. she would be a remarkable woman in any time, and yet is only mentioned in two biblical chapters. was there more to her story that was lost (erased) over time, as men molded and shaped the canon? i think so. many have tried to downplay her role in a victory against the canaanites, and yet here we are, over 3000 years later, singing her praises. she was a gender non-conforming boss and her memory is a blessing.