Cancer, the Crab, plays a minor role in the Twelve Labors of Hercules. While Hercules was busy fighting the multi-headed monster, Hydra, the goddess Hera, who did not like Hercules, sent the Crab to distract him. Cancer grabbed onto the hero's toe with its claws. Hera, grateful for the little crustacean's heroic effort, gave it a place in the sky.
As a result of being prized by Hydra, cancer has come to represent very maternal and "home-oriented" people. Some words to best describe crabs are: nurturing, domestic, emotional, tenacious, strong-willed, gentle, kind, protective, sensitive, retentive, resourceful, self-contained, security oriented, warm, sympathetic, patriotic, sentimental, and loving.
- a product tag is included with this piece that describes how it was made, and information about the artist that produced it
- More Information about the Mkankha Brothers
The Crab represents community, protection and home space. It is a symbol of pending good luck and the ability to escape by moving sidewise. Crab casts off its shell for a new one, thus representing rebirth and the cyclical nature of our lives. Crab also signifies prosperity, success and high status.
Height: 2"
Length: 3.5"
Width: 3.5"
Artist: Joseph Thomas, painted by Yeukai Tanyara
Made In: Zimbabwe
About the artist:
The Improved Arts Metal Sculpture Project was started in 1986 by five brothers. Having discovered their artistic talents, they founded the group to depict African natural history through metalwork and to make a better living. Old tin cans and other scraps of metal from businesses in the industrial area of Harare are turned into these delightful sculptures by these artists using snips, pliers, and hammers.
