Kestos Imas is based on the magical object worn by the Greek deity Aphrodite and her earlier fertility goddess incarnations. Ancient artworks and texts, including Homer's Iliad, portray Aphrodite wearing a kestos imas, translated variously as a magic girdle, corset, belt or saltire. It is described as pierced or embroidered, and often shown with dangling ornaments. In this garment, Aphrodite kept the magical powers that enabled her to seduce any god or human, male or female. She lent the girdle to other goddesses, including Hera, when needed.

Upcoming Exhibition

Sept. 11-Oct. 2, 2010: "What a girl wants, what a girl needs: The Aphrodite Project" at Gallery Aferro, 73 Market St. Newark, NJ, Opening Reception September 11, 2010, 7-10 PM

Purse Hacking Workshop with Johana Moscoso, Maria Jiminez and Norene Leddy, September 25, 1-3 PM RSVP to info [at] aferro [dot] org