Alphabet Ancestors

Unique books in a series of three, numbered on the slipcase.

13 x 9.5 x 1 cm (5 1/8 x 3 3/4 x 3/8 in)

13 pages

2009

Alphabet Ancestors traces the roots of our modern Roman letters to Old European cultures that flourished 5,000 to 7000 years ago. Called sacred script by archaeologist Marija Gimbutas, these marks are also known as the Vinca or Danube script. These marks have been found on incised female figurines and ritual objects from Neolithic societies in central, eastern and southern Europe.

My interest in these ancient inscriptions and their expression of the earliest forms of human consciousness continues. Earlier explorations include The First Writing and Goddess Alphabet books, as well as the first book I adapted these forms into an alphabet style for, The Charge of the Goddess.

Each book shows six different letters. The form of this book, a continually unfolding accordion, has echoes of the scroll structure. Lettered and painted in acrylic, gouache and casein on Arches Text Wove paper. Cave paper covers and slipcase. Includes separate 8-page booklet called "Backstory."

More background on the concept and making of these books can be read at my blog, here.

Contact me for price and availbility.