Preface

FROM a hand to a hand, an instrument to a canvas, the henna flows in a deep red thread out of the small pliable cone. The canvas of the hand is blank, ready to be transformed. The woman looks at it, anxious and expectant, as she waits for the design to take shape. At first, it is unrecognisable. Dark, formless and fragrant swirls that will stain her skin. It is hard to understand the significance of them. Yet, the artist has a vision of the end result. This vision guides him as he applies the henna, slowly and gently, like a balm. He's bent over his work in deep concentration.

Gradually, and with precision and patience, the design unfolds. From the challenge of shaping it, it blooms into something magnificent, intricate and exquisite. As the woman continues to observe her hand, she gains clarity. Her uncertainty melts away. She now sees what the design resembles, what it's supposed to be. The design, uniquely conceived by the artist, is the perfect expression for her. Each swirl and bend that he's crafted makes sense to her. She can see how necessary each one has been. How they've contributed to the creation of the bigger picture.

The healing and rejuvenating properties of the henna plant cleanse, condition and cool the woman's skin. Its pungent, earthy smell speaks to her of a mysterious land, eclectic history and rich spirituality. She breathes it in deeply. The henna soothes and inspires her.

A talisman on her skin, the henna bestows blessings, good fortune and protection. A catalyst for change, it colours her skin but reaches her spirit.