Sacred Women
For Double Wind Quintet
Commissioned in 2011 by the University of Utah, Logan. Many thanks to Nicholas Morrison and Leslie Timmons.
Length: 28:00
In Three Movements
1. Isis
2. Iemanja
3. Mawu
Sacred Women Is based on three goddesses.
Isis, the Egyptian goddess, is worshipped as the ideal mother and wife as well as the patron of nature and magic. She was the friend of slaves, sinners, artisans, and the downtrodden, and she listened to the prayers of the wealthy, maidens, aristocrats, and rulers. Isis is often depicted as the mother of Horus, the hawk-headed god of war and protection. Isis is also known as protector of the dead and goddess of children. The name Isis means "Throne". Her headdress is a throne.
Iemanja, an orisha, originally of the Yoruba religion, became prominent in many Afro-American religions. Africans from what is now called Yorubaland brought Yemaya/Yemoja and a host of other deities/energy forces in nature with them when they were brought to the shores of the Americas as captives. She is the ocean, the essence of motherhood, and a protector of children.
And finally Mawu of Benin, Africa. She; the Omnipotent Creatrix of all life; She Who created the mountains, the valleys, the hills, all, She created; She Who set the sun in the heavens; Mother of All.