AllEinig | Glauben Götter Gleichgesinnte
Photographs by Sabine Braun Faith is a key issue in all human cultures. Faith gives support and But may one judge without having a clue? Therefore I have put hope, faith offers community and identity, faith provides space myself in the shoes of different religious orientations, trying to and calm where rational answers do not suffice, faith creates me- grasp their underlying ideas and manifestations. The deeper I aning and compassion. went, the more impossible it became to pass judgment.
But faith also brings about death, hatred and discord. All too of- With the help of many interested, open and appreciative peop- ten, a difference is made between believers and non-believers. le from all over the world and followers of completely different AllEinig Salvation is only for those with the right beliefs. All others are religious persuasions, and thanks to the perfect and affectionate threatened with damnation be it in the here and now or in the guidance I received in questions of costuming and in rag shops, afterworld. thanks also to a fabulous treasure trove of things, objects, infor- All ≈ Universum, alle = Universe, all mation and insights, and last but not least through many hours Why do people kill each other for their religious beliefs? Why do of internet research, my latest work, AllEinig, came into being. A Einig ≈ gemeinsam, wesensgleich, einmütig = agreed, at one, united they try to impose upon each other the supposedly right belief? dolls‘ house from the 1960s serves as platform and stage for this alleinig ≈ einsam, alleine = exclusive, sole, only What if people were not afraid of different faiths, and thus faith project. were no longer an instrument of power? AllEinig ≈ Glaube = Faith It is my wish to mirror a peaceful image from a few selected faiths. I have been preoccupied with the question of faith for a long time, For at the end of this journey it is clear: I do not want to pass searching for answers: artistic, photographic answers to questions judgment, to scoff, to criticize or be afraid. I want to relate what I that are as exciting, multi-faceted and difficult as the universe is have found, sensed and learned. This catalogue shall support this; wide. a minuscule source of information about an unutterably exciting, moving and universal subject. Wandering over the surface of this large dwelling called faith I have encountered multiple approaches and traversed many A subject where judgment between “true” and “false” beliefs has rooms: kitschy andw critical, irritated, political, very angry, fear- no place. ful, God-trusting, cynical and judgmental. Chenrezig | Bodhisattva of Compassion Buddha | The Awakened One
Chenrezig is a popular figure in Tibetan Buddhism, Siddhartha Gautama lived approximately 2.500 years and is often portrayed on art objects and arts and ago in India, born into a dynasty of rulers. Being con- crafts products. Bodhisattva embodies mercy and fronted with the misery outside the palaces, he began universal compassion and is familiar in various in- searching for wisdom. He did not get very far with asceti- carnations. In China, the female form of this figure cism. It was only through the Noble Eightfold Path that is Guanyin. he experienced his “awakening” and became Buddha.
AllEinig | Buddhist Faith Dorje | Ritual Instrument Dharmachakra | Wheel of Life
The dorje is one of the most important ritual objects The Dharmachakra is the symbol of Buddha’s tea- in Buddhism. It has a positive pole for restocking ching. The eight spokes of the wheel refer to the No- energy and a negative pole for discharging energy. ble Eightfold Path, a central element of Buddhist tea- Literally, dorje means something like “indestructib- chings. They stand for: right beliefs, right aspirations, le diamond” or “Lord of rocks”. right speech, right conduct, right livelihood, right ef- fort, right mindfulness, right meditational attainment.
Prayer Wheel | Mani Wheel Prayer Flag | Rlung-rta („wind horse“)
A prayer wheel is a rotating drum with prayers or Tibetan prayer flags mostly show the four animals mantras printed on a paper roll. The more often of the cardinal points in their corners, and the wind the drum is turned, the more often the mantra „Om horse in their center. (Hence the name rlung-rta.) mani padme hum“ is being recited and thus through By fluttering in the wind, the flag sends out the this movement, carried into the world. prayers printed on it, just like a horse flying in the wind.
Butter Lamp | Memorial Candle Masks | Vital Energies
Butter lamps are lit in Buddhist sites, in front of Masks are worn during ritual and religious dances Buddha statues and at the time of Puja, the most and often embody an element of Yin and Yang, the important element in Buddhist everyday life. The opposed yet related vital energies of life. lighting of the butter lamp symbolizes the enlighten- ment of mind and man.
Conch Shell | Dung Dkar Peepul tree | Ficus Religiosa
The conch shell is the simplest and oldest trum- In striving for salvation, Gautama achieved the pet-like musical instrument. It is most often played complete awakening (“Bodhi”) at age 35. This hap- in tandem so that the intake of breath by one player pened on the shores of the Neranjare River under will not result in an interruption of the music. The a peepul tree which is today revered as the Bodhi conch shell is used in rituals, for example to drive Tree or the Tree of Wisdom. It is often found on out demons. reliefs and paintings in Buddhist temples. Guanyin | Goddess of Compassion Fruits & Flowers | Sacrificial Offerings
One of the most-revered figures in Eastern Bud- Fresh offerings are regularly brought to the god- dhism, Guanyin is abundantly present in iconogra- dess Guanyin: fruits as symbols of immortality, a phic and literary depictions and religious practice. bowl of tea and fresh flowers. These offerings for People turn to her in search of consolation and hap- the goddess of compassion, promising relief and piness and in their homes provide a place of honor deliverance from the world’s sorrows, are placed for her on the family altar. around the altar.
AllEinig | Chinese faith Fu Lu Shou | Happiness, Wealth, Long Life Eight Trigrams | Yin and Yang
In China, in addition to a long life, happiness and The eight oracle symbols serve divination. They wealth are the most important goals in life. The consist of three lines which are either solid (Yang) three deities Fu, Lu and Shou embody these three or dashed (Yin); the signs are often assembled to goals. Arranged from right to left one finds them in form a ring. They are the basis of the ancient Chi- many Chinese houses and shops. nese Yi Jing, the Book of Changes.
Lao Tse | Chinese Philosopher Kungfutse | Chinese Philosopher
He is considered to be the founder of Taoism. The Kungfutse (Confucius) was revered by his follo- most influential Taoist scripture, the Tao Te King, wers as an ideal role model, his moral teachings is attributed to him. However, it probably origina- and his conduct in life were regarded as exemplary. ted or at least acquired its present form, in the 4th Confucianism is one of the “three teachings”, along century B.C. with Buddhism and Taoism. It has been shaping Chinese culture for many centuries.
Chinese Characters | Happiness Money Frog | Bonanza
Placed above the doorway, the Chinese character for A particular reason why frogs are associated with “happiness” gives protection and companionship. money is the fact that they are always found in the vicinity of water. Water means wealth. It is also said that the money frog looks like a big wallet which again attracts wealth.
Yi Jing | Book of Changes Dragon | Peace of Mind
The Yi Jing is one of the most important works Chinese dragons are the most famous mythical of Chinese literature. At its core is a collection of creatures of the Eastern Asian cultural sphere. A oracles dating back to the 10th to 8th century B.C. Chinese dragon is a symbol of happiness, peace, Still today, the Yi Jing plays a key role in Chinese and a long life. He is most often male, standing everyday life. for the Yang principle. He signifies power, strength and virility. Ecumene | Inhabited Universe Confirmation | Blessing
For the ancient Greeks and Romans “oikumene” As an act of benediction, confirmation marks the was the inhabited part of the world. Today there passage to adulthood as understood by the church. It is talk about the “grand oikumene”, the dialog bet- confirms membership in the Christian faith and the ween the monotheistic religions, supported by the Church, granted earlier at christening. Confirmees churches. Some churches include polytheistic reli- receive their blessing during a ceremonial service. gions as well. Afterwards they usually receive many presents.
AllEinig | Protestant Faith Bible | God’s Word The Psalms | Bible
A collection of various “books” (Greek: biblia). The A psalm is a poetic religious text. The “Book of protestant version of the bible consists of 39 books Psalms” is a collection of 150 poems, songs and plus 11 late scriptures in the Old Testament and 27 prayers from a period of several centuries, divided in the New Testament. The Old Testament relates into five books. The first psalm of each book serves the Israeli people’s experiences with God, the New as a motto for that book. Each book closes with a Testament tells of Jesus and his disciples. extolment of god.
Pace | Peace Last Supper | Congregation
The rainbow is a symbol of peace and connected- Jesus Christ celebrated the last supper, of bread and ness. In the Christian faith it is considered a tie wine, with his 12 disciples on the eve of his crucifi- between God and mankind. The Italian peace mo- xion. By instructing them to “do this in memory of vement adopted this idea and developed the rain- me”, he instituted the communal meal, as a token of bow flag. It is used all over the world in demonst- his continuing presence; whence the Lord’s Supper rations for peace. as we know it.
Cristo Redentor | Rio de Janeiro Taizé | Community
Christ the Redeemer is 30 meters tall, with arms 28 Taizé is a small town in France. In the 1940s, an meters outstretched. In 2006, this monument, loca- at first evangelically and later ecumenically orien- ted in Brasil, was consecrated as a Catholic pilgri- ted brotherhood came into being. The communi- mage site. At times this landmark of Rio de Janeiro ty became known through its international youth is also of great importance for a Protestant woman. meetings, the “pilgrimage of trust”, and its charac- teristic chants.
Christ Rosary | Prayer Beads Fish | Symbol
The Christ rosary is a protestant modification of the One of the oldest symbols for Jesus Christ. The Catholic rosary. It mainly differs from the latter in earliest Christians, for fear of persecution, used it that the Ave Maria is replaced by a different fra- as an identifying sign. The Greek word for fish is ming verse with mysteries of its own. “ichthys”. Each letter of this word is the beginning of a new word. Together these form a short profes- sion of faith. Shiva | Augur of Happiness Lingam | Lord Shiva
Shiva is one of the most important Gods of Hindu- The symbol of the Hindu deity Shiva. In the ritual ism. Shiva is often depicted with his wife Parvati or performance ghee, sandalwood oil, milk or water with Ganesha. The trinity of Shiva/Parvati/Gane- are poured over the lingam and channeled via the sha is regarded as a divine family. Shiva embodies linga-base into a dish or to the exterior. This ritual- creation and new beginnings as well as preservati- ly pure substance is divine food. It is distributed to on and destruction. the faithful as nourishment and a blessing.
AllEinig | Hindu Faith Ganesha | Lord of Success Murugan | Fearlessness
Ganesha, the elephant-headed God of wisdom and According to Hindu mythology, Murugan is Ga- strength, is the eldest son of Shiva. Puja, the daily nesha’s brother and belongs to the most popular Hindu early morning service, always begins with deities of the Tamil Hindus. Murugan is a guardian a prayer to Ganesha. His name is invoked prior to fighting against wicked forces and banishing fear. embarking on an auspicious task and at the begin- ning of every kind of worship.
Rudraksha Mala | Prayer Beads Bilva Tree | Sacred Tree
A string of beads made of the dried seeds of the Hindus believe the bilva tree to be an incarnation holy Rudraksha tree. Rudraksha literally me- of Lord Shiva himself, thus regarding as holy its ans “Shiva’s tear”. The beads help with staying globular fruit, its blossoms and its leaves. The tri- healthy, gaining self-reliance and living fearlessly. foliate leaf symbolizes the three basic elements of They are also used for meditation. purity, activity and inertness.
Holy Cow | Fulfiller of Wishes Tulsi | Ocinum Sanctum
In the Hindu religions the protection of the cow re- Tulsi (Indian basil) is regarded in India as the her- mains a vital element to this day. For most Hindus bal manifestation of the God Vishnu. The “queen the cow is sacrosanct. Its manure is considered of of herbs” is grown as a holy plant in the garden particular relevance. It is employed on a material as of every Indian temple and house. The Tulsi seeds well as on a spiritual level. are also used for prayer beads. They strengthen the immune system and metabolism.
Kama Sutra | The Art of Love Yoga | Religious Teaching
This work belongs to the Indian tradition of educa- Originally, yoga was a purely spiritual path dedi- tional books on erotica. As a guide to eroticism cated primarily to the search for enlightenment and love, the Kama Sutra is related to the Tantra through meditation. The purpose was to make it that deals with the transformation of sexuality. The possible for the body to remain in the typical medit- Kama Sutra is a guidebook for the art of living, both ation posture, the lotus position, for longer periods erotic-sexual and at the same time, ethical. with a minimum of pain. Menora | Symbol Hanukka Lamp | Festival of Lights
The menorah, a seven-branch candlestick, is one of The Hanukkah lamp is an eight- or nine-branched the most important religious symbols of Judaism. lamp lit for the Hanukkah holiday; it is not to be When the state of Israel was founded the menorah confused with the seven-branched menorah. The was included in its coat of arms. Hanukkah lamp is lit shortly after sunset. It is po- sitioned, if possible, right outside the front door or in the window.
AllEinig | Jewish Faith Siddur | Prayer Book Yad | Torah Pointer
The Siddur, the Jewish prayer book, contains the The Yad is a pointer used to indicate lines of text daily prayers for weekday mornings, afternoons in a Torah reading. Its main purpose is to avoid and evenings and Shabbat. Every Jew should read touching, dirtying or damaging the sometimes cen- in the Siddur three times a day. The Siddur also turies-old hand-written scrolls. Torah scrolls are contains benedictions and prayers for the most im- deemed holy and are kept in the synagogue. portant Jewish holidays and for special occasions.
Tefillin | Prayer Straps Tallit | Ritual Object
Tefillin are a set of two small black leather boxes The tallit, a prayer shawl, is a square-shaped piece on leather straps containing parchment scrolls with of woolen, cotton or silk cloth, white or cream-colo- handwritten texts from the Torah, the five books of red. It is often decorated with black or blue stripes. Moses. They are worn on the arm and head for the A characteristic of the tallit are the knotted fringes morning prayer on workdays. in the four corners of the cloth, intended to remem- ber the 613 commandments and prohibitions.
Scheitel | Head Cover Kiddush Cup | Blessing
Women with shiny, silky long hair are a familiar The Kiddush is a benediction pronounced over a sight on Israeli streets today, as are the black hats cup of wine, as an introductory ceremony for Shab- and kippot of men. They comply with the religious bat and Jewish holidays. The benediction is usually commandment for married women to cover their uttered by the male head of the family immediately hair. These wigs (Yiddish: “scheitel”) reconcile re- prior to the meal. ligion with the fashion trends of the day.
Shofar | Horn Dreidel | Spinning Top
The shofar is an ancient Middle Eastern musical in- A dreidel is a four-sided spinning top, steeped in strument. Manufactured from ram or kudu horns, tradition. Jewish children spin it during the eight it serves mainly ritual purposes. The shofar is the days of the Hanukkah festival of light, most often only ancient instrument still in use in synagogues to obtain sweets in the form of chocolate coins. today. Each side of the dreidel displays a different Hebrew letter. Mary | Worship of Saints Cross | Connection
Holy Mary, mother of Jesus Christ, is worshipped The cross is one of the most meaningful emblems in the Old Catholic church as the virgin mother of Christianity. For Christians, the cross symboli- of God. Revered as the first among the saints, her ses Jesus Christ’s self-sacrifice, and the connection intercession is invoked on behalf of the worldly between the earthly (the horizontal axis) and the church. Sculpturally, Mary is predominantly depic- heavenly or divine (vertical axis). ted with the divine infant.
AllEinig | Catholic Faith Bible | The Holy Scripture The Pope | Head of the Catholic Church
According to the teachings of most Christian confessi- “Pope” is the religious title of the head of the Ro- ons, God directed and inspired the writing and handing man-Catholic Church. The official residence of the down of the holy scriptures, meaning that the authors Pope is the Vatican. Since 1871, the Pope has resided of the Bible texts were led by the Holy Spirit. On the in the Apostolic Palace next to St. Peter’s Basilica in other hand, the Bible is regarded as human testimony Rome. He is considered the successor of Peter the Apo- containing, reflecting and passing on God’s revelations. stle. He is revered highly regarded by Catholics.
Pietà | Mater Dolorosa Rosary | Prayer Beads
In sculptural art, Pietà is the depiction of Mary as Rosary beads, of which there are 59, are used when Mater Dolorosa (Mother of Sorrows) with the dead saying the rosary, a popular Catholic prayer. The body of Jesus Christ after his removal from the rosary begins at the cross, followed by a large, cross. It is a theme common in sculptural art from three small beads, and another large one. After the early 14th century on. that, a different mystery of the faith is associated with each decade of beads.
Holy Water Font | Transition Angels | Messengers and Guardians
Holy water fonts are receptacles for holy water. In Gabriel, Michael and Raphael are the three angels Catholic churches they mark the threshold between mentioned by name in the Bible. They are wors- the mundane and the sacred. In private homes holy hipped as saints in the Catholic Church. Besides water fonts are smaller. The consecrated water is Christianity, the concept of the guardian angel is used in the morning and in the evening to make the also familiar in Islam and Judaism. In Buddhism, sign of the cross. the Bodhisattvas are worshipped.
Christmas crib | Birth of Christ Devotional Objects | Pilgrimage Souvenirs
The nativity scene is an arrangement of figures de- Devotional objects, such as crucifixes, rosaries, or picting the birth of Christ as related in the Gospel; holy pictures, are meant to serve religious devoti- it is mostly set up in December, in the run-up to on. Sometimes the term “devotional object” is used Christmas. The crib with the infant Jesus, the Virgin in a derogatory way, referring to artistically inferior Mary, Joseph, animals and the three Magi, remains and overpriced items. on display until Epiphany on the sixth of January. Koran | Holy Book Kaaba | Sanctuary
The Koran is the Holy Book of Islam; for the faith- The Kaaba is a cuboid building in the inner courtyard ful it is the literal revelation of God (Arabic: Allah) of the Holy Mosque in Mekka. As “God’s House” it to Muhammad the Prophet. When not being read is Islam’s central sanctuary. The pilgrimage to Mek- the Koran must be kept in a safe place above waist ka is called Hadj. Pilgrims circle the Kaaba seven level. times counter-clockwise, praising Allah.
AllEinig | Muslim Faith (Islam) Koran Stand | Elevation Misbaha | Prayer beads
A support for the Koran when it is open for daily The misbaha (and the Christian rosary derived reading - for Muslims their very personal, intimate from it during the Middle Ages) originated in India. contact with Allah and His word. The Koran must It makes it easier to count when uttering the 99 be stored in a dignified place, where possible hig- names of Allah. It also serves as a lucky charm, as her than other things, and especially higher than a symbol of Islam or as a necklace. other books.
Prayer rug | Purity Hamsa | Hand of Fatima
The prayer rug is a carpet which Muslims use to The “Hand of Fatima” is a cultural token in the Is- cover the floor, in order to avoid contact with im- lamic folklore of Northern Africa and the Middle purities that renders their prayers invalid. Outside, East. It is deemed to offer universal protection and a prayer rug is not normally needed as in Islam, soil the best deterrence against ghosts. The historical is considered purifying. evolution of this symbol shows parallels to the Christian adoration of Mary.
Qibla | Compass Ramadan | Month of fasting
It is important for Muslims to know the four points During the ninth month of the lunar-based islamic ca- of the compass, so that they can say their prayers. lendar, the faithful fast every day from dawn till dusk. Qibla is the direction towards the Kaaba in Mekka It is Islamic understanding that the Koran was recei- (Saudi-Arabia), the most sacred site of Islam. There ved during the month of Ramadan. The breaking of are various methods, based on orientation marks, the fast at the end of Ramadan is Islam’s second most used to find the Qibla. important holiday after the Feast of the Sacrifice.
Taqiyah | Head Covering Drum | Ramadan
The taqiyah is a head covering worn by Mus- For many people in Turkey, the drum is one of the lim men when they pray. The custom originates most important attributes of Ramadan. Drummers from the sunnah of the prophet Muhammad. The wake the faithful so they can have their meal be- taqiyah, also called prayer cap, is often richly fore sunrise. While drumming they recite Turkish adorned and embroidered. poems. Cross | Russian-Orthodox Orthodox Bible | Septuaginta
The orthodox cross is a further development In the Orthodox Church, the printed edition of the of the symbolism of the cross. The slanting lo- Old Testament is based on the Septuaginta, the ear- wer crossbeam is a reminder of the passion of liest translation of the Testament into the vernacular Christ and symbolises the board on which Jesus of Ancient Greece, dating from the 2nd century B.C. put his feet when he was crucified or it symboli- It encompasses a larger number of scriptures and is ses the crossing-over from “hell” to “heaven”. still the standard bible for orthodox Christianity.
AllEinig | Russian-Orthodox Faith Icon | Saints Icon | Mother of God
Icons are pictures of saints; they are particularly Depictions of Mary, Mother of God, have a special widespread within the Orthodox Church. They are place in the world of icons. Next to Jesus, Mary is mostly painted on wood, and consecrated by the the most popular icon subject. Very often, Mary is church. The inscription on the icon depicted here depicted together with the Christ child. figuratively translates as “You must love as you want to be loved.”
Icons | Intermediary Oil | Consecration
Icons are viewed as intermediaries between this In the Orthodox Church (as in the Catholic Church), world and the afterworld; miraculous feats are consecrated olive oil, sometimes with added bal- ascribed to them. The figures often face the viewer sam, is used for ritual unctions on various occa- frontally in order to establish a direct relationship sions including christening and confirmation. The between the depicted and the beholder. oil symbolizes health, joy, strength and happiness.
Rice, Bread, Vodka | Commemoration Candles | Reverence
The dead are specially commemorated on the 9th, Historically, the use of candles in churches goes 40th, 182nd and 365th day after their passing; dark back to the earliest days of Christianity and is akin attire is put on, and a sacrificial candle in a glass of to the use of graveside candles. In the Orthodox rice and often a glass of vodka and a slice of bread Church, candles are tokens of greeting and the ve- are placed next to a photo of the deceased. neration of icons.
Frankincense | Sacred Incense Cathedral | Basil the Blessed
Frankincense was already known to the ancient The Russian-Orthodox Cathedral of the Protection of Egyptians as a ritual incense. It produces a fragrant Most Holy Theotokos on the Moat, also known as smoke as it smolders. Various religions have used St. Basil’s Cathedral, stands on the southern edge of it in ritual acts since the middle of the first mille- the Red Square in Moscow. The cathedral consists of nium A.D. altogether nine different churches. It is one of Mos- cow’s landmarks. Souvenirs of all sorts are sold of it. Shamanism | Healing Drum | Travel support
Shamanism is the knowledge of the invisible and The frame drum, beaten with a stick, is the most healing powers of the universe. Shamans are inter- important tool in shamanism. By its rhythm, one mediaries between the worlds; in trance they move leaves the reality of everyday life and travels to in the upper and the nether world to obtain healing the “other world”, to obtain information. Its sound and a return to harmony for their environment. connects to age-old knowledge.
AllEinig | Shamanism Rattle | Tool Eye Curtain | Protection
Indispensable for shamanist rituals. It calls up the The eye curtain covers the shaman’s face while spirits of the four cardinal directions and the spirit he goes into trance. It enables him to move in two of the earth and the heavens. Its rattle releases and worlds at a time. harmonizes.
Power Animals | Spiritual allies Goose | Power Animal
Spiritual guides of the soul in animal form. These She is the reliable, faithful companion of the female guardian spirits help the shamans to find their way force of creation; she shows the way of the soul and through the worlds, and with their support the sha- stands for highly developed social behaviour. She mans perform their healing work. embodies the access to parenthood, and also stands for one‘s own creative energy and an understan- ding of the power of community.
Smudge Sticks | Smoking Sun and Moon | Custodians of Time
The smoke from smoldering bundles of dried herbs All life orients itself on the cycles of the moon and connects to the divine. It serves to make contact the sun. The sun determines the time of day and with the invisible, enables connections to the past watches as a bright light over the day. The moon and future, clears and purifies the spirit and pro- regulates the tides, watches over the night and gu- tects from sickness and danger. ards the secrets of the stars. Together, they watch over the seasons of the year.
Jaw Harp | Musical Instrument Runes | Supporting Shamanic Spirits
One of the oldest instruments, it originates from Si- In general they are understood to be old Germa- beria and Central Asia. It is played either on its own nic characters. But they are also symbolic images, or together with mirrors, sticks, fans, drums, rattles carriers of energy, and magical symbols used in and little bells, to call the healing spirits and make hands-on oracle work. The essence of the runes contact with deceased ancestors. can be contacted during the Shamanic journey. Kamidana | Shintoist House Altar Buddha | Connection
A Japanese Kamidana is a wooden miniature of a The religious practice of most Japanese is a syn- shrine. In a Kamidana various deities, the Kami, thesis of Shintoist, Buddhist, local and other tra- are worshipped. Buddhist house altars are also ditions. One of the four persuasions of Buddhism common in Japan; called Butsudane they serve the practiced in Japan today is Zen Buddhism. veneration of the ancestors and the dead.
AllEinig | Shintoist Faith Shimenawa | Accessories Sakaki | Japanese Cleyera
Shimenawa are lengths of laid rice straw rope that Sakaki twigs are arranged in Shinto shrines and in Shinto separate the world of the Gods (Kami) on Kamidana, a twig on the left and on the right. from the secular world. Furthermore, Shimenawa The twigs are replaced twice a month. In Japan one delineate dwellings of the Kami and symbolize the says the sakaki tree stands on the border between presence of a God or a divine force. the human world and the world of the Kami.
Offerings | Adoration of the Kami Torii | Transition
The sacrificial offerings to the Kami, rice, salt, wa- Torii are elements of traditional Japanese architec- ter, sake or fruit, are placed before the shrine on ture; they are gates of wood or stone. Often varnis- the 1st and 15th day. The water is changed every hed vermillion, they mark the transition from the morning. The adoration rite performed before the profane to the sacred. A Torii frames the entrance house altar consists of bowing twice, clapping to a Shinto shrine. twice, and bowing again.
Tsuru | Crane Universe | Sengai Gibon
In Japan, the crane is a symbol of happiness and Sengai Gibon (1750-1837) was a Japanese monk longevity. According to Japanese lore, a person and known for his controversial teachings and his who folds a thousand origami cranes will have a sumi-e paintings. One of his most famous pain- wish fulfilled by the Gods. Even today, folded pa- tings shows a circle, a square and a triangle, sha- per cranes are given on special occasions. pes which Japanese people usually associate with “true”, “half true”, and “false”.
Daruma | Good Luck Charm Manekineko | Waving Cat
A Daruma is a popular Japanese good luck charm A Japanese good luck charm in the shape of a cat made of papier-mâché. It helps to fulfil wishes. At waving to the beholder with its paw. It is placed in first one eye is painted in. When the wish has been private houses, to bring wealth and keep bad luck fulfilled the other eye is painted in. Afterwards, the away. Japanese tradition holds the manekineko to Daruma can be burned in a temple. be the rebirth of Kannon, Goddess of mercy. Vodun | Mawu-Lisa Mami Wata | Goddess
The Fon, an ethnic group in Benin, West Africa (the Mami Wata ist the youngest goddess. Inspired by country of origin of the Vodun religion), believe in figureheads on the prow of Portuguese merchant a great Vodun-God-Cosmos presided over by the ships of the 15th century, she became the goddess of twin deity Maw-Lisa (moon and sun). Many more water. She is depicted as a mermaid. Ideas from Af- deities exist beside them, including the Goddess rican, Indian and European traditions blend in her. Mami Wata.
Fà Oracle | Divination Mami Sika | Contentment and Happiness AllEinig | Vodun Faith (the correct term for “voodoo”)
Kauri shells or nutshell necklaces serve the Fà People to whom the Fà Oracle allots this sign can Oracle, a consultation of the Gods. For the vodunsi count themselves lucky, for Mami Sika does not (followers of Vodun) this complex system of divi- have any negative properties and stands for the nation has a significance comparable to the Bible lightness of being. Accordingly, the spiritual signi- for Christians, the Torah for Jews or the Koran for ficance of this Goddess and her positive influence Muslims. on life as a whole are great.
Ayidohouedo | Rainbow Snake Hooho | God of Twins
Ayidohouedo is a deity embodying happiness and In West Africa, twins are a gift from supreme po- wealth. Snake symbols can be found in many Vo- wers, and thus of superhuman origin. Thereby de- dun cults. This pot contains herbs put together by ceased twins attain divine status. Their souls are Vodun healers. They spread their healing effects then represented by artfully crafted figures that are through the wall of the vessel. cared for like living children and are also adopted into the family.
Iroko Tree | God of Roots Powder & Candy | Sacrificial Offerings
For West Africans, the iroko tree has many-faceted Mami Wata is revered as a sensitive, friendly God- meaning and serves as a representation of Atissou dess with a preference for white purity, beautiful Loko, God of roots. Solidly rooted in the native soil, scents, candy, flowers and European luxury items. Atissou Loko symbolizes, at this holy location, the Vodunsi dust and spray her with powder and per- head of the family bestowing strength for the solu- fume and donate her various cosmetics. Fanta is a tion of problems. favorite offering to her.
Denzu | Male Head Maria | Syncretism
Denzu is the spiritual head of the Mami-Wata fa- Vodun is a syncretist religion which adopts foreign mily of Gods and has great spiritual strength. With influences, rituals and objects into its creed, and his bold determination, great energy, his courage gives them new form. Thus, for example, religious and his patience even the gravest problems can be objects from Christianity are integrated and acquire overcome. Denzu has no negative properties. a new meaning within the Vodun religion. AllEinig | The end of faith
Eiffel Tower | Souvenir
The Eiffel Tower is a landmark of Paris, the French capital, which in turn is regarded as the city of love. For this reason, this little souvenir can be found in each of these pictures, as a symbol of something that unifies all mankind, no matter of which faith: love. Exhibition of AllEinig in Bietigheim-Bissingen, June/July 2013
Imprint Deutsch-Japanische Gesellschaft Baden-Württemberg, Frauke Hempe, Christiane & Harald Kleinhempel, Soul of Africa Museum Essen, Uta Werlich, Linden-Museum AllEinig | 22 Photomontages | 120 cm x 2400 cm | Colourprint on Textil-Banner Stuttgart © PhotoKunstSabineBraun, Stuttgart, June 2013 | www.photo-sabinebraun.eu THANK YOU THANK YOU References: Hans Pöhnl_Otto-Rombach-Bücherei Bietigheim-Bissingen Information, data, facts and wisdom compiled with the assistance of: Jürgen Kessing_Stadt Bietigheim-Bissingen ©www.wikipedia.de, dozens of books and magazines, hundreds of www sites on Isabell Schenk-Weininger_Städtische Galerie Bietigheim-Bissingen which information is provided that has been carefully and affectionately collected Jörg Bohn_www.puppenhausmuseum.de and placed at the disposal of inquiring minds. Lisa Oechsle_www.gewand-stuttgart.de Anita Zeller_www.wolfangel-stuttgart.de Picture credits: Rainer Tewes & Team_www.fotolabor-m.de ©www.shutterstock.com | Dalai Lama ©Darko Sikman/Shutterstock.com | Pope Francis ©catwalker/Shutterstock.com | Charlotte Salomon Self-Portrait 1940 THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU ©Charlotte Salomon Foundation, imgage published in Kunstmagazin, 10/2007 | Deki Wangmo Irena Sendler ©http://gpcentofanti.wordpress.com | Taize Poster ©http://jybangalo- Khai Tri Phan re.blogspot.de | Photos from private sources ©Sabine Braun Thuraiappah Moorthy Larissa Natanova Silvia Grenz THANK YOU Sevilay & Mehmet Öztürk Helpers, display board, patience, dollhouse, magic, Ramazzotti, bible, flight to Rio, Lars Ariel Dziuballa bells, books, closet content, drawer treasures, door curtains, rugs, slow sellers, dres- Ludwig und Marlis Bez ses, necklaces, costumes, chopsticks, shoes, cosmetics, chocolate, advice and hints, Henning Christoph get-dressed assistence, photo assistence, prayer beads, masks, printing advice, texts, Menifa Dormas knowledge base, corrections, checks, encouragement, tales, explanations and faith- Wolfgang Grosse ful, self-assured, open, interested critical glances: Hans-Dieter Laumeyer Tom Bloch, Elke Gula, Anna Perino, Wiebke & Irmel Müsch-Ratzeburg, Theres Winfried Schneider Düwel-Bentz & Roland Bentz, Charlotte & Wolfgang Braun, Ulrike Zimmermann, Inge Zimmermann & Joachim Tochtermann, Sibylle Scheer & Hans-Jörg Zimmer- mann, Beatrix Schmude, Pirruntha Silk House Stuttgart, Karin Reichert, Restau- rant Lê, Uschy Niepmann, Matthias Gnatzy, Patricia Städele, Herr Ille-Kopp, Tors- ten Obrist, Afro Hairstudio Shop Stuttgart, Ilse Hayer, Jane & Hans-Georg Stork, Alle Rechte vorbehalten. All rights reserved.