Faculty of Art

Drawing and Painting

Betiel Ghirmay Araia

ደቂ ኣሕድርትና - Dekihidirtina

This work is inspired by Eritrean folklore and the stories I grew up hearing, exploring how storytelling shapes identity and cultural understanding.

“My work draws from Eritrean folklore, focusing on a mythical figure known as Dekihidrtina. I have always been fascinated by stories of mythical creatures, and my grandmother’s captivating storytelling sparked my interest in exploring them through my art. There are many interpretations of Dekihidrtina; some are rooted in religious belief, while others are associated with witchcraft. Across these stories, they are described as beautiful and mysterious women who emerge at night and disappear into the forest by day. They are often believed to capture people and bring illness or misfortune, particularly when offerings are not left for them. In my sculpture, I have incorporated jewelry, hairstyle style, and cultural identities from Eritrea’s nine ethnic groups to encapsulate the act of capturing people and stealing pieces of their identity/culture.”