abebe) are progressive chapters that are yet unfinished as the inspiration from God is unbound by time or literal organization. I received the name Onabanke (pronounced Aw-nah-bahn-kay) from a babalawo in 2004. I received a couple of translations from actual Nigerians of the Yoruba tribe who informed that the name referenced to "artistry" and "creativity". (Note - tonal markings in Yoruba words cr
eate a distinction in the multiple meanings of a single word.) One of the translations is "artistic genius cuddles", 'cuddling' referring to 'holding' the person into their destiny. In the African tradition, names are given that have spiritual interpretation in order to help the person to acquiesce to their divine purpose/destiny every time their name is spoken; it beckons the person's spirit to remember at each echo that there is task to be completed in this lifetime. The babalawo who gave me the name Onabanke later explained that the energies behind my name would possibly come to fruition at a later point in my spiritual journey. In 2002 I visited Cuba for the first time to receive my ita for my Hand of Ifa. At that time I was told that (one of) the odu I came to earth with referenced to a person that creates things with their hands and at that time I was braiding hair making creative designs for men and women. I was inspired to begin creating fans after I was initiated to Shango in 2012 at which time I tried my first attempt at making abebe for Oshun and Yemoja (my spiritual mother). Children of Shango are known to be the quintessential "jack-of-all-trades" and I am committing myself to mastering this wonderful craft. These unique fans are constructed from the base to feathering to the beading ALL by my own hands! I give thanks to those African ancestors who have guided me in mastering the artistry of beading as it has been a self-taught experience which is still a work in progress. I have always thought that fans were/are a timeless feminine aesthetic that can be accessorized for any occasion. My prayer is that the abebe I've created in this lifetime will be one of the exemplary decorous accessories that imbues women to feel regal, elegant and distinctly ladylike!
