seinor thesis 2025 - 2026
with a dominican and scottish-irish heritage, I was immersed as a child in contrasting traditions of folklore and superstition. Inspired by these narratives, I explore how storytelling can extend beyond oral and written tradition through four masks representing shared archetypes. This work reflects my interpretation while honoring the cultural myths and meanings they embody.
The bodach
(BOH - DAKH)
The Bodach is a sinister shapeshifting character from Gaelic folktales, while his origins are unknown it was said that he is the consort to the ancient goddess, Cailleach(Kal-Yakh). Though he has ties in Ireland, he is also a prominent figure in Scottish folktales. He is seen to be a harbinger of death, mischief, and known as the bogeyman in both Scotland and Ireland. The Bodach appears to be a quiet older man, wearing ragged clothes and possessing dull, watchful eyes. He is known to change form, appear in shadows, and come down chimneys to kidnap misbehaving children.
La bruja
(The witch)
In the Dominican Republic, brujas are female witches often perceived as evil figures with power gained from the devil. They transform into large birds at night and fly to participate in Vodou or other magical practices. In Scotland, many witches were primarily wise women who performed rituals and practiced healing methods discouraged and disliked by society. Many wise women were hunted and killed after the Witchcraft Act of 1563, making sorcery, witchcraft and other practices a capital offense in society. These women were accused of causing misfortune such as failed crops, storms, illness, or death. While in Ireland, these women were more respected, many Irish people believing that witches were deeply connected to nature, folklore, and the supernatural, seen as fairy doctors, wise women, and healers.
el diablo cojuelo
(the limping devil)
The Bodach is a sinister shapeshifting character from Gaelic folktales, while his origins are unknown it was said that he is the consort to the ancient goddess, Cailleach(Kal-Yakh). Though he has ties in Ireland, he is also a prominent figure in Scottish folktales. He is seen to be a harbinger of death, mischief, and known as the bogeyman in both Scotland and Ireland. The Bodach appears to be a quiet older man, wearing ragged clothes and possessing dull, watchful eyes. He is known to change form, appear in shadows, and come down chimneys to kidnap misbehaving children.