The Megalo Tama The artwork,
The ‘Megalo Tama’ was commissioned by Cypriot Ministry of Education and Culture and department of antiquities to commemorate Cyprus’ presidency of the EU 2012.
In Miriam Mc Connon’s installation, The Megalo Tama, a huge handkerchief encompasses the entire tree at the site of Saint Solomoni in Kato Paphos. Tama is the Greek word for a votive offering (handkerchief) that people hang on this ancient tree to offer a wish or prayer for loved ones who are sick or who have passed away. The piece of cloth that covers the tree is made up of handkerchiefs and lace that have been given to the artist from the people of Paphos and abroad and have been sewn together carefully by the artist. Each handkerchief has been a personal possession of somebody and therefore carries its own individual story.
