Kabra Blauw Salt Shaker + Kabra Commemorative Pin

Kabra Blue

In the winti, the connection with the ancestors is central, with the colors blue and white representing the Kabra: the ancestors. Blue refers to the royal ancestral line of West Africa, white symbolizes death, cleanliness and purity. In the Netherlands, since the 17th century, the colors blue and white have been associated in a very different way with a ‘typical Dutch’ tradition: Delft blue pottery, originally inspired by Chinese porcelain. By bringing these blue and white traditions together in one new showpiece, Kabra Blauw is created.

The National Institute of the Dutch Slavery History and Legacy (NiNsee) has declared the Kabra Blauw Salt Shaker as the ultimate memento of the Commemoration Year of Slavery History 2023–2024.

The dark history of salt

As a profitable colonial product, salt on Bonaire, Curaçao and Sint Maarten was extracted in large quantities by enslaved natives and Africans under appalling conditions in the salt pans, called the white hell.

• Salt Shaker:
  • Porcelain glaze transfer with gold luster
  • 12 x 3,5cm
• Commemorative Pin:
  • Brass enamelled
  • 4 x 3,5cm
• Creators: Boris van Berkum, artist,in collaboration with Marian Markelo, winti priestess
• Commissioner:  NiNsee, National Institute of Dutch slavery past and legacy
• Manufacturer and supplier:Heinen Delft Blue heinendelftsblauw.nl
• More information: kabrablauw.nl