"The Hidden Oba" Oversize Sweater Dress (Orchid Flower)

The Brief

This is an oversized wearable expression of contemporary African culture and heritage.

The artwork  is an original photograph by Nathaniel Akinpelu Williams featuring model/designer Aramatou Toure.

Fashion meets Black history – the rings in the photo are detailed replicas of the most iconic pieces of 16th century African bronze art.

The likeness in the rings are of Iyoba Idia (Queen Mother) – African Woman, leader, warrior, and inspiration.

This sweatshirt makes a powerful statement and brings Edo & Nigerian heritage to the forefront.

Ethically made and sweatshop- free made with 100% certified organic cotton.

The Style

Match these up with jeans, leggings, or wear as a dress.

• Oversize fit style
• Set in sleeve. 
• 1x1 rib at neck collar, sleeve hem and bottom hem. 
• Inside herringbone back neck tape. Self-fabric half moon at back neck. 
• Sleeve hem and bottom hem with single needle topstitch. 

The Fabric

85% Organic ring spun combed cotton, 15% Recycled Polyester

Fair Wear certified. 

Oeko-Tex certified

The Story

The rings featured in the image are smaller modern interpretations of the image of Iyoba Idia – Queen Mother of the 16th century Kingdom of Benin (now in modern day Nigeria).  The original works were  bronze life-size artwork and ivory carvings.  They are part of the renowned “Benin Bronze” pieces. Many similar pieces were looted in a brutal punitive raid by the British (some of which are still illegally held at the British Museum).

 The Benin Bronzes shattered the myths that African art was by any means primitive.  It sent a clear message that African art was well capable of being just as sophisticated, or even more so, than European art.

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