Pachamama
agent for a piece of work for Gary Marshall-Stevens- Covered in black fabric with a projection overhead, unable to see but just to react with the objects within my reach with the one arm I am able to use
- the objects included fabric, a metal tin and a pile of salt
- instinctively I played with the salt; drawing, throwing and sprinkling upon the fabric covering my body
- this reignited my thoughts of using salt as a material – thinking of the politics of salt (trade, ownership), ecological aspects and the religious significance
Salt as a mineral has been used by many cultures for seasoning, preserving, disinfecting, exchange and ceremonial offering. Perhaps an Old Wive’s Tale but if I spilled a grain of salt I was always told to throw salt over your left shoulder to rid yourself of the devil on your back.
In Buddhist tradition, salt repels evil spirits. After a funeral it is customary to throw salt over your shoulder before entering your house.
In Shinto religion salt is used to purify an area. Before sumo wrestlers enter the ring for a match a handful of salt is thrown into the center to drive off malevolent spirits.
The British Salt Act of 1882 prohibited Indians from selling or collecting salt. Citizens were forced to buy this mineral from their British rulers who also charged a heavy salt tax. The Salt March 1930 was led by Gandhi and joined by thousands of Indian citizens. Today, a gift of salt is a symbol of good luck with reference to The Salt March.
The Bible make various references to salt, used metaphorically signifying purification, loyalty, fidelity, value and permanence. The Book of Genesis tells the story of Lot’s wife who, along with her family are fleeing Sodom. Warned by angels not to look back. Lot’s wife looks back and turns to a pillar of salt.