The Brief
The Style
The Fabric
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
SIZES S M L XL
Half Chest (cm) 49 52 55 58
Body Length (cm) 69 72 74 76
Sleeve Length (cm) 20 21.5 22.5 22.5