Linda Zeb Hang
SPEARA (detail), 2021
Handwoven fiber-optic paper, featherweight cot, bow frame, stretch-free PVC mesh, shock-corded anodized aluminum poles, nylon feet
81 × 4 × 4 in ( 205.74 × 10.16 × 10.16 cm)
Fiber-optic woven talismans or “taleos” demarcate caution, rigor, and nuance in the everyday satellite of domestic spaces, or events. It is also a sanction on entering or leaving a place. The “taleo speara” is inter-woven as critical connections, guarding the point of entry, forwarding the craft. Accompanied by an arm’s throw gesture, and a short blessing in Hmong, the sacred language of Shamanism.
The world of humans, and the world of spirits merge with a rumor that it is a “once a century” angry ghost occurrence, similar to Ghost Festivals of Buddhist and Taoist mythology. An arm’s throw offering to the God fearing.