"The Hidden Oba" Unisex Sweatshirt (Off-White)

The Brief

• This is a 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 featured 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 bring brings Edo & Nigerian heritage to the forefront.
• Ethically made and sweatshop- free made with 85% certified organic cotton, and .15% Recycled Polyester

The Style

• Set-in sleeve
• 1x1 rib at neck collar
• sleeve hem and bottom hem
• Inside herringbone back neck tape
• Unisex

The Fabric

• 85% Organic ring-spun Combed Cotton
• 15% Recycled Polyester
• 350gsm

Natural Raw colour - no dyeing involved in the Natural Raw colour. Naturally textured with raw cotton feel.

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 care 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

Sizing