Medium: Charcoal *Acrylic*Paper
Dimensions: 16 x 21 inches (width x height)
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Finding My Roots tells the story of a young girl born to a Yoruba father and an Igala mother, whose life was disrupted during the colonial era when she was forcefully taken away by foreign settlers. Before her departure, her parents marked her face with tribal symbols — not just as identity, but as a lasting connection to her origin. As she grew older, she became self-conscious of these marks, unaware of their deeper meaning. However, those same marks eventually became her guide — leading her back to her homeland, her culture, and her true identity. This piece reflects the enduring power of tradition and heritage. It emphasizes that no matter how far one is removed, cultural identity remains deeply rooted and can always be rediscovered. Through this work, I highlight the significance of ancestral practices and how they continue to serve as a bridge between the past and the present.
Finding My Roots tells the story of a young girl born to a Yoruba father and an Igala mother, whose life was disrupted during the colonial era when she was forcefully taken away by foreign settlers. Before her departure, her parents marked her face with tribal symbols — not just as identity, but as a lasting connection to her origin. As she grew older, she became self-conscious of these marks, unaware of their deeper meaning. However, those same marks eventually became her guide — leading her back to her homeland, her culture, and her true identity. This piece reflects the enduring power of tradition and heritage. It emphasizes that no matter how far one is removed, cultural identity remains deeply rooted and can always be rediscovered. Through this work, I highlight the significance of ancestral practices and how they continue to serve as a bridge between the past and the present.