Iyoba Idia Leather Shopper (Hand-Crafted) (without gusset)
Photo by Louise Nixon @inphotography13

Aṣọ

Iyoba Idia Leather Shopper (Hand-Crafted) (without gusset)

Tax included.

Strictly-limited edition hand-made leather shopper. Less than 10 were made. Made from 100% leather and hand-crafted in London, England. This bag features a robust print of the famous Benin ivory pendent mask made in the image of the Queen Mother – Iyoba Idia. A big bag with a big statement. The bag measures 31cm (h) x 28cm (h), and is flat without a gusset.

The mask is one of the most well-known and revered pieces of African artwork. It is a piece of work that dispelled many myths about Africa, African people, and African art. It cemented the realisation that African art of the same period was as sophisticated and as advanced as those created in Europe - or even more so.
Iyoba Idia - warrior, politician, spiritual leader, adept politician, and protector of the Edo people. She was also known as the "The Hidden Oba" and remains a giant of true leadership. For more information see:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0iJat3eyWag


http://rainqueensofafrica.com/2012/11/iyoba-idia-the-hidden-oba-of-benin/


http://www.cultureindevelopment.nl/News/Heritage_Africa/683/Queen_Idia_Mask's_sale_sets_Sotheby's_against_art_world