Everald Brown Dove Harp – Jamaica

It wasn’t hard to miss this colorful object, called a dove harp, that was part of an exhibition on view at the National Museum of Jamaica (formerly the Institute of Jamaica). I thought I recognized the work as belonging to one of our local artists but I wasn’t sure.

A quick look at the caption confirmed that the object was the creation of intuitive artist, Everald Brown, popularly called “Brother Brown.”

Everald or Brother Brown's Dove Harp
Dove Harp

Continuing, the caption noted that Brown’s “art and spirituality are bound together and are distinctly indicated through his work. His art work is the visual representation of a generously all-inclusive world view, in which just about everything is regarded as being spiritually meaningful. Brother Brown’s musical instruments bring together sound and vision, the two most important components of his mystical experiences. Their shapes and decorations are laden with intricate symbolism and were originally meant for collective ritual use by his church band.”

Everald Brown, a self-taught artist, was born in Clarendon, Jamaica in 1917. He embraced Rastafarianism and Revivalism and founded the Assembly of the Living, a mission of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, in Kingston.

In 1973, Brown moved his family from Kingston to a community in rural St. Ann where they lived off the land. There, his art and spirituality flourished and he painted and carved his dreams and visions of the world around him. He also created handmade musical instruments, like the dove harp, and star banjos.

Following his death in 2002, the National Gallery of Jamaica mounted a retrospective of his work in 2004. It featured more than 100 paintings, carvings and musical instruments.

 

This week, I’m linking up with Travel Photo Thursday, which Nancie at Budget Travelers Sandbox organizes. Be sure to head over and check out other photos from locations around the world. Enjoy!

41 comments on “Everald Brown Dove Harp – Jamaica

  1. That’s ironic I was just thinking of reggae music on our walk yesterday morning! People have the artistic, steady hand to make things like this always boggle my mind. Very impressive 🙂

  2. Now I wonder if the sound of the harp is as beautiful as it looks.

    Saw your forecast for Montego Bay on your website – and it looks hot. Hope you’re loving it.

  3. I have never heard of a dove harp. I love the design and all the colors on it. It’d be interesting to see his artwork and that star banjo too,

  4. I searched the internet for any clips that I could include but I suspect there might not be.
    I guess the next best thing is to buy one but at $2,000+, it’s not an impulse purchase.
    We’re about normal for July/August but it rained almost all day the last two days and brought the temps down. No fans needed.

  5. We have to be thankful for the gifted ones who continue to make our world better and prettier.
    Interesting that you were thinking of reggae music on your walk. Anything in particular?

  6. Very talented artist – The Dove harp is gorgeous. Wonder if he played the harp or he created it for visual look. Gorgeous colours.

  7. I agree, Aleah. It is quite beautiful; Brother Brown was a very talented artist.
    Glad you like the new design, still tinkering with it. Talk soon.

  8. Never heard of Everald Brown, but the harp is lovely, and I suppose it is possible to sample his music somewhere on the internet.

  9. Chalk up another musical learning experience for me. The dove harp is a beautiful-looking instrument – I’d like to hear it played. Interesting information about Everald Brown, too.

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