Hammer of the Witches

36” x 42” woodcut on Masa paper

The Malleus Maleficarum ("Hammer of Witches") was a guide written in 1486 by Heinrich Kramer, detailing methods for hunting and persecuting witches. This woodcut is rich with symbolism: the apple alludes to Eve, while the rope and water reference common torture methods used during witch trials. The moon and repeating border motifs symbolize Hecate, the goddess of night, magic, and witchcraft. The feather boa represents the witch’s familiar, and the hammer itself is now wielded by the witch, reclaiming the tool of persecution