A textile weaving as a signal for strength as we are standing together, speaking as clearly as we can.

Inspired by traditional maritime signal flags, the A for Advocacy weaving considers a nautical symbol into a modern declaration of voice, visibility, and collective care. This piece is one of a series that blend geometric flag design with soft, tactile fibers that have been repurposed to speak without words.

The Ahoy Alphabet Weavings series draws inspiration from traditional maritime signal flags.  A historic visual language once used across oceans to communicate meaning without words. Each weaving reimagines this nautical system as a textile alphabet.  In maritime code, a single raised flag carries intention across distance.  In this series, the language of signal flags becomes a call toward visibility, protection, and collective action. A reminder that advocacy begins when we choose to be seen and to stand for one another.

A is for Advocacy.

It is a signal rooted in awareness, protection, and respect for unseen labor happening beneath the surface.  This meaning makes it a powerful emblem for advocacy that reminds us to slow down, pay attention, and create space for those whose voices deserve safety and recognition. Each handcrafted weaving reimagines this maritime signal as textile art, blending coastal tradition with purposeful storytelling.

The Meaning Behind A for Advocacy

Advocacy asks us to notice what others may overlook.  It states that we are here to protect, amplify, and are acting with intention.  

• A for Amplify

• A for Allyship

• A for Action

• A for Advocacy

Advocacy is choosing a direction rooted in justice and moving toward it with courage.  Hang or place this piece in spaces where decisions are made, organizing begins, or reminders of shared responsibility are needed. It is the understanding that steady steers the ship. It can also be a signal when support is needed and the declaration that no one travels alone.

While weaving this one and paying attention to each over and under, counting in my head, my thoughts were filled with the honor I have for those who speak up, for the warriors of organize, the steady witness, the nourishment of protection, and accompaniment in numbers. I do not know what the next one will have swirling in my brain, no doubt the flow only knows. Like a flag lifted into open wind, advocacy sits with courage and invites connection.

Just as the maritime counterpart flag calls for care and consideration at sea, this piece honors the work of standing up for communities, causes, and individuals navigating challenging waters.  It serves as a visual reminder that meaningful change often begins with awareness. Perfect for spaces dedicated to learning, organizing, healing, or simply living with purpose.

What are the Handcrafted Details?

• Handwoven textile artwork

• Inspired by the International Maritime Signal Flags

• Created using carefully selected fibers for texture and durability

• Each piece is individually crafted with naturally occuring, subtle variations that make every weaving one of a kind

• A collector card insert with details is included

Design Inspiration

The Ahoy Alphabet Series draws from nautical communication systems once used to send messages across vast oceans without spoken language.  These flags carried urgency, cooperation, and trust.  They signaled values that continue to resonate today.  Each weaving considers maritime geometry into handwoven form:

• Bold color fields echo ocean communication systems

• Structured shapes reference flag symbology and directional signaling

• Textile texture softens the rigidity of coded language, transforming command into care

Where sailors once communicated across vast waters, this weaving communicates across shared human experience.  By referring to each maritime signal then turning it over into fiber art, this collection reconnects historic communication with holographic, social meaning.

Part of A Series

The Ahoy Alphabet Weavings form an evolving alphabet of values where each letter is a navigational marker for living in relationship with community, land, and self.

Collect individually or assemble multiple letters to create your own visual language of intention.

Uses for Ahoy Alphabet Weavings

• Advocacy spaces and community offices

• Personal altar

• Thoughtful gift giving

• For educators, organizers, and changemakers

• For those who believes visibility creates change

Materials and Care

• Eggshell white hemp yarn, natural hemp yarn, midnight blue chenille

• Driftwood for optional, hanging support

• Indoor display recommended

• Dust gently or spot clean as needed

Created by Jennifer M Brown of Under the Root

Under The Root provides non-clinical, presence-based death doula goods and support services for individuals and loved ones navigating death, dying, grief, and psychedelics. Our work centers dignity, accessibility, and trust, offering grounded companionship during life’s most vulnerable, transitional thresholds.