This is a hand-carved, hand-printed linocut print inspired by The Magical Adventures of Pretty Pearl by Virginia Hamilton, a beloved tale from African American folklore. The story celebrates the forest as a sanctuary and safe haven, where fugitives and their community find protection, healing, and magical guidance from the wild. The cast of real and imaginary characters are helped, nurtured and surrounded by wild birds of all kinds as well as folk magic, poet-prophets, earth-centered wisdom and a deep trust in the spiritual realm. Hamilton shows us how folklore and folk tradition bring this small community into deep relationship with the wild, and how enchantment and magic serve as a source of psychological resilience and practical survival in the midst of one of the most horrifying periods in history.

The linocut print includes a variety of details in the story: a portrait of Pretty Pearl and a profile of John de Conquer (the two main characters); two albatross birds (what the two main characters shapeshift into as they watch over a slave ship as it crosses the Atlantic Ocean); and a buzzard (aka Opete, an Ashanti West African sacred bird who appears in the form of a dance); a de Conquer magical root, berry brambles and a poke berry plant - some of the wild foraged plants and roots used in the book; a community of free people gathered around a campfire; and plenty of feathers!

This artwork honors the resilience, creativity, and ancestral knowledge embedded in African American storytelling traditions. Perfect for lovers of African American folklore, magical realism, mythic storytelling, and nature-inspired art, it brings a sense of wonder, community, and enchantment into any home, classroom, or library space.

GIFT IDEAS: This linocut print makes a meaningful gift for folklore enthusiasts, African American history lovers, educators, and families who value nature-based learning. Ideal for children’s bedrooms, playrooms, or family living spaces, it also makes a thoughtful donation to schools, public libraries, cultural centers, or environmental education programs. Perfect for anyone who appreciates storytelling, multicultural folklore, magical realism, or connecting young readers with the wild, this artwork celebrates community, resilience, and the rich intersection of culture and nature.

MATERIALS: It is made with Caligo Safewash (non-toxic) Ink on Hosho Paper, both of which are professional quality.

COLOR: It comes in three colors: Black, Sepia Brown and Pokeberry. The Black and Pokeberry Inks are printed on bright white Hosho paper & Sepia Brown is printed on an off-white, natural Hosho paper. If you would like to have this printed in an alternate color, please message me with a color suggestion. It will take 3-5 days.

SIZE:

Print Size: 16” x 20”

Paper Size: 19” x 24”

PERSONALIZATION/GIFT OPTION: If you are gifting this to someone, feel free to include a brief message. This will be handwritten on a one-page description of this folktale and included with the print.

PACKAGING: This print will be carefully rolled in Kraft paper, packed in a recycled clear bag and shipped in a recycled cylindrical tube. A one-page insert including a description of the folktale is included with the print. Gift wrap is possible, please mention it in your note to seller.

SHIPPING: All my prints are packaged and shipped out within 1-3 business days. Free shipping for U.S. Customers. International customers, please purchase this print on Etsy. I no longer provide international shipping through this website.

Questions? Please contact me.

© 2022-2026 FeathersandFolktales. All Rights Reserved.