Written piece
Borne by Mountain and Sea
Elvira Monjoa Mbua Mondoa
Cameroon
About this piece
This submission explores the themes of sacrifice, identity, culture,unity and memories the thread creates within a group of people.
It represents the continuity of a tradition across generation keeping it from unravelling.
A cradle of burning flame
Burning bright and giving sight
To hands mending frayed edges at night
A silence where only shadows could explain
A memory so dear I can't name
Interwoven to create an identity carried with pride
Distinguished by colours embellished with cowries
Defined by patterns borne by mountain and sea
Men tying wrappers and ladies wearing kabas
Smelling like dark earth, with the warmth of the morning sun
Feeling like wool against a cold skin
Layers of memories in every stitch
Entwined with songs and folklore
Blended with the blood of fingers pierced in echoed silence
Every thread formed a new bond or mended a broken one
From the chants of warriors
To the wailings of Women
Ululations from children
Incantations from fathers
Held by a string