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.”
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!
Dove Harp looks quite similar to Indian musical instrument “Sitar”. I like the artwork on the harp.
It’s a beautiful instrument. I’d like to hear the sound of the dove harp.
So beautiful harp:) So colorful…
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 🙂
What a beautiful work of art – I love the idea of creating a musical instrument which is functional and beautiful at the same time!
Gorgeous craftsmanship, the details are amazing and I enjoyed the history, thanks for sharing
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.
The dove harp really is a work of art. It is a shame his work wasn’t featured in the National Gallery before his death.
What an interesting looking instrument. Does it sound as good as it looks? Thanks for the short history lesson, too.
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,
The dove harp is Brother Brown’s creation. I’ll see if I can find a link, Mary.
Thanks, Michele. Unfortunately, I saw this at the museum so I didn’t hear it being played.
That it is, Jan, and his work was featured there regularly before he died, as well as internationally.
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.
You’re welcome, Noel! Glad you like it.
Yes, beautiful and functional. My kind of art too!
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?
Yes, it is, Muza-chan.
I would, too, Sophie. Searched but didn’t find anything online.
True, Salika. I wonder if that was his inspiration.
I’d never heard of Everald Brown until now – thanks for the introduction. What a beautiful harp!
You’re welcome, Dana. Brother Brown was a very special and talented artist.
Very talented artist – The Dove harp is gorgeous. Wonder if he played the harp or he created it for visual look. Gorgeous colours.
That piece is stunning! I’ve heard of ‘wearable art’ — this one must be ‘playable art’! Have a great weekend, Marcia!
It’s good the harp was preserved. It’s a beautiful work of art. (Btw, I love your new site design!!)
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.
I assume he played it, Lisa. I think there’d be a mention if he didn’t.
He probably had a good ear for music to tune this harp.
Great Job! the Dove harp is a unique part of the music instruments. such a great art.
thanks for sharing interesting post.
Never heard of Everald Brown, but the harp is lovely, and I suppose it is possible to sample his music somewhere on the internet.
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.
That’s perfect, Jackie – playable art.
Hope you had a great weekend too!
You’re welcome and thanks for visiting.
It is a unique and beautiful instrument.
It is a beautiful piece, Mette. Unfortunately, there’s no sample online. At least, none that I could find.
Thanks, Cathy. It is beautiful and I wish there was a recording online of it being played.
Checked but couldn’t find anything.
You’re also most welcome…. hope will get few rich seconds at my blog…….
Thanks, I’ll pay you another visit soon.
Hey you are right Salika,.. when i first saw it, it seems to me “Sitar”….
I love the way you are teaching us. Waiting to read more from you. I love to design websites.
Hi, i read your blog occasionally and i own a similar one and i was just curious if you get a
lot of spam feedback? If so how do you reduce it, any plugin or anything you can advise?
I get so much lately it’s driving me insane so any support is very much appreciated.
Hi and thanks for your comment. I used Akismet to control spam comments.
Hope it helps!
THanks a lot Marcia Mayne for sharing this.
Best of luck…Keep it up.