The Politics of Orthodoxy: Ashirah by Elizabeth Hefty-Khoury Drawing

The Politics of Orthodoxy: Ashirah is part of a series of works exploring the repression of women by orthodox branches of religion. The works all contain two symbols: hair and silence. Ashirah is a Caananite pagan goddess, from a time when the Middle East – and the world – was predominately matriarchal. In Islam and Judaism, hair is considered to be highly erotic and thus has become symbolic and hidden. The veil and the wig are complusory for otordox women. Recent events in Iran has brought the issue back to the fore, as women fight for the right to decide on whether they cover their hair and how to wear it. The female voice in Orthodox Judaism is thought to inflame male passions so women must be silent in masculine company. In Islam, it is more problematic, with various contraditing/conflicting hadiths commenting on a woman’s right to speak when males are present. But there is a general restriction on female freedom of speech, it being seen as ‘unfeminine’. The five faces (the number five symbolizing change) are wrapped in veils of hair, covering their mouths to silence. One has opened her eyes, as women all over Iran and beyond have opened theirs, opened their eyes as they fight for justice and autonomy.

Drawing:Charcoal on Paper

Original:One-of-a-kind Artwork

Size:34.6 W x 46.5 H x 0.4 D in

Delivery Time:Typically 5-7 business days for domestic shipments, 10-14 business days for international shipments.