The black man naturally has a sense of a tradition and a portrayal of his cultural heritage. Consequently, this informs his decisions and engagements in his daily life.
Exploring this in her ‘Shuku Stories: A Journey of Heritage and Beauty’, Favour Ben, a multifaceted visual artist, storyteller, and filmmaker, who is deeply rooted in the rich tapestry of African culture, identifies hairdo among Nigerian women, with emphasis on the Yoruba ancestry of Western Nigeria, as an avenue to enhance the beauty of the black woman.
Adorning the naturalness of the woven model of hairdo among women with cowrie shells, it is believed in some quarters of African Traditional Religion (ATR) that it protects the spirit of the wearer and also brings her good luck; while a larger number of people see it as an aesthetics that promotes femininity.
Putting these and many other elements into perspective with the consciousness of the essence of womanhood, Favour captured characters like Ewatomi, Omidan Ayoka and Awero in the display of some of her artworks.
According to her, Ewatomi wears a traditional “shuku” hairstyle, symbolising her heritage. Ewatomi, simply put means “I’m satisfied with beauty”.
“As the daughter of Awele, a wealthy and resilient woman who struggled to conceive, she represents fertility and motherhood. Her adorned hairstyle with cowries reflects the joy and blessings of motherhood, fulfilling Awele’s prayers to the gods,” she explained.
As for Omidan Ayoka, Favour celebrates her stunning beauty and grace, wearing traditional Yoruba cornrows from Africa. Omidan means a miss in Yoruba, which precedes the name Ayoka in context.
“She portrays As a local beauty queen in Ibadan, she’s desired by all as a wife. Embracing Gen Z style, she dazzles daily with intricate cowrie adornments, captivating everyone around her. Women aspire to emulate her elegance and charm, praying to mirror her allure,” she ascribed.
Speaking of Awero, Favour introduced the portrayed character as a queen mother, a respected and resilient leader known for her diverse skills as a businesswoman, warrior, and entrepreneur.
In the text, she wears the traditional “shuku onididi” hairstyle, symbolizing her connection to the Oyo kingdom.
Favour displayed how Awero “ is Revered for her beauty and strength, and also how she sets the standard for elegance and female entrepreneurship. As a prominent jewellery seller, she earns admiration and respect, embodying regal grace and entrepreneurial success.”
Favour, in her world of art, delves into the symbolic significance of cowries in African culture, unravelling their intricate ties to beauty, fertility, and prosperity. Through her artwork, she seeks to illuminate the profound symbolism embedded within these humble shells, inviting viewers to embark on a journey of discovery and rediscovery.
With a keen eye for detail and a storyteller’s instinct, Favour continues to captivate audiences with her evocative artwork, each piece serving as a testament to the timeless allure of African artistry and the enduring spirit of its people.
and then