Diamond Diva is one of a series murals funded by Birmingham 2022 Creative Cities Project, developed to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of Jamaica's independence.
The mural was produced by Know Hope and co-created with local young people lead by youth activator Courtney Philip. The artwork was developed by the legendary artist, Bunny Bread from Create Not Destroy.
Its interpretation is a celebration of a 'whole lotta flavours' within Jamaican cuisine, including the origin of 'jerk' and its relationship to slavery and Maroons culture (rebellious fugitives)
The rich colours are representative of the Rastafarian culture, which focuses on the principle of the balanced natural life - uncombed hair, wholesome vegan (I-tal) diet, abstinence of alcohol and spiritual rituals.
The symbolism of the colours are;
Red - 'Blood'
Green - 'Herbs'
Gold- 'Royalty'.
A diamond is one of the most robust minerals on earth. Diamond Diva is a representation of resilient nature of black female, past and present, as settlers in the UK that have kept the authenticity black cuisine and passed on their knowledge to future generations
The mural was installed during International Women's Week at Ball Park, Digbeth Birmingham.
Visit the mural and join the discussion about the historical, spiritual and nutritional benefits of Jamaican cuisine. #Jamaica60
The A to Z of Jamaican cuisine
A
Ackee and saltfish
B
Bammy
Breadfruit,
C
Callaloo
Cassava
Coco bread
Curry goat
Curry Chicken
D
Dumpling
E
Escoveitch fish
F
Festival
G
Green bananas
H
Hard dough bread (hardo bread)
J
Jamaican patty
Jerk meats usually jerked: chicken, and pork
O
Oxtail
P
Plantain
Porridge
R
Rice and peas
Roti
Run down
S
Saltfish fritters
Stew peas
Sweet Bread
Sweet potato
T
Taro, locally known as dasheen and coco
W
Water crackers
Y
Yam
