Jaasir Linger's installation, "Mama Aisa tyari a boskopu kon," reimagines the carriage of Mama Aisa, the mother goddess in the Winti religion of his enslaved Surinamese ancestors. The artwork powerfully asserts Winti's place against centuries of suppression by the church and colonial authorities. It symbolizes the reclamation of Winti heritage and spirituality, depicting Mama Aisa's journey during the exodus from slavery.
"Mama Aisa tyari a boskopu kon" (Sranantongo for 'Mama Aisa brings the message') is an evocative mixed-media installation by Jaasir Linger, created in 2023. The work visually embodies the carriage of Mama Aisa, the revered mother goddess and highest deity in the traditional Winti faith of Linger's enslaved Surinamese ancestors, second only to the creator God, Anana. This profound piece asserts a strong stance against the church and colonial powers that systematically outlawed Winti for centuries, compelling practitioners to observe their religion in secret. The installation represents Mama Aisa's symbolic journey during the exodus from slavery in Suriname. The artwork is rich with symbolism, built upon a base of earth with wheels marked by pimba doti (white kaolin clay used in Winti rituals). Key components such as the kopro beki (copper basin), a sacred Winti object associated with Aisa, and the dyarusu sturu (chair), originating from the slavery era and now serving as Aisa's seat in rituals, are integral. Poignantly, behind the carriage, a tabernacle—a church vault for holy objects—is connected by an old, rusty chain. This tabernacle, containing Winti-related symbolic objects, critiques the church's view of Winti as taboo and its role in persecuting Winti followers. Through this powerful imagery, the installation "reclaims" Winti symbolism, asserting its enduring legacy and cultural significance. The work is a submission by Linger for the Open Call EXODUS, presented by the Bijbels Museum and Buitenplaats Doornburgh.