The Canopy of Our Mothers
By Joy Christian Jumbo
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✓ Original artwork • Certificate of authenticity • Free delivery across Nigeria
The Canopy of Our Mothers is a mixed-media portrait that brings together a calm, black-and-white figure with real African textures and details. Set against a bright yellow background sprinkled with actual cowrie shells, the main focus is her grand, halo-like headwrap (gele), crafted using pieces of real Ankara fabric rather than paint. Wrapped with genuine beaded strands, this oversized headwrap acts like a protective canopy—celebrating womanhood, family roots, and handed-down wisdom. The contrast between her quiet, steady expression and the rich, tactile patterns gives the piece a really cool balance of peace, texture, and strength.
The Story Behind the Artwork
In African traditions, a woman’s headwrap is so much more than just a beautiful accessory—it’s a crown that carries her identity, pride, and heritage. By blowing up the scale of the headwrap in this piece, it turns into something bigger than just personal fashion. It becomes a canopy—a symbol of the protection, comfort, and wisdom that matriarchs have passed down to us through generations. Instead of just looking pretty, this heavy coral necklace gives her real weight and presence—shifting her from a simple portrait of beauty into a true symbol of ancestral royalty and power.
Details
- Medium: Portrait
- Year: 2026
- Dimensions: 36inches x 36inches
- Edition: limited
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