G.O.A.T: Goddesses of all Time

Cows have been revered in many cultures for religious reasons as well as for being an important source of sustenance. This project was inspired by the beautiful cows in Switzerland at the Alpenabzug, a festival held all over the mountains and farmlands in September. The cows are wreathed with lovely flower garlands and the insignia of their cantons as they parade down the mountains and footpaths to mark the time of harvest and the coming of winter and hibernation.

Not only is Switzerland multilingual, she is also the home and refuge to many different nationalities and cultures. I want to celebrate the multi-faceted, colourful cultures that form the backbone of modern Switzerland.

As I research the history of different cultures and what their traditional regalia represent, I realise with great humility that a cultural headdress can be a powerful and profound instrument and symbol.

They are not… costume.

The headdresses, the headscarves and face veils have long been wielded by religions and politics to subjugate people, especially women, and have used them to define marital statuses, economic and social hierarchies. I see my cows with their headdresses and regalia as regal queens and goddesses …wearing their crowns.