Loop the slanderer with a head wrap.
Òwé Ẹlẹ́gǹn Ńgèlè II
Ówà Ḿbẹ̀
There is more than meets the eye.
Ówà Ḿbẹ̀
Òwé Ẹlẹ́gàn Ńgèlè I
Loop the slanderer with a head wrap.
Òwé Ẹlẹ́gàn Ńgèlè I
Àjànàkú kúrò ni “A rí ǹkan fìrí
Àjànàkú kúrò ni “A rí ǹkan fìrí”
The elephant is more than something of which one says, “I caught a fleeting glimpse of something”
This painting is a celebration of nature and wildlife, a testament to the timeless beauty and interconnectedness of the animal kingdom. Its visual splendor and profound connection to the natural world evoke a deep appreciation and respect for nature. It is a work that stirs the soul and cannot be ignored.
This painting is a celebration of nature and wildlife, a testament to the timeless beauty and interconnectedness of the animal kingdom. Its visual splendor and profound connection to the natural world evoke a deep appreciation and respect for nature. It is a work that stirs the soul and cannot be ignored.
Ẹnití kò mọ ibití ńlọ, mọ ibití otí ńbọ̀
Ẹnití kò mọ ibití ńlọ, mọ ibití otí ńbọ̀
One knows where one started from when one needs help finding the way forward.
People in desperate straits resort to desperate remedies; whatever the outcome, they will be no worse off than before.
In the traditional Yoruba society, the concept of 'home' holds a profound significance. It is a sanctuary where parents play a pivotal role in uplifting their children, particularly during challenging times. This is evident when parents warmly receive their daughters, children, and possessions, providing a haven when their marriages dissolve. Similarly, sons find solace in their parents’ homes when their aspirations are unmet, a poignant reflection of the enduring family bonds in Yoruba culture.
Ẹmu lẹ̀wù
Ẹmu lẹ̀wù
Wine is my clothin
Ọjọ́ i tọ́rọ́, ẹmu ni
Ọjọ́ i sísì, ẹmu ni.
M̀ báti láya kèrègbè ni ò jẹ́.
On the day of threepence, it is the wine.
On the day of sixpence, it is the wine.
I would have had a wife, but the bottle did not allow me.
A Yorùbá proverb describes a palm wine drinker as follows: "Drunkards ignore their miseries; the ill-fated forget tomorrow." This proverb highlights the tendency of drunkards to indulge themselves instead of addressing their pressing problems.
Mo dúró d’Olúwa, kì í tẹ́
Mo dúró d’Olúwa, kì í tẹ
Those who wait on God are never disappointed.
Patience is essential for those who wait on God. This Yoruba proverb advises them not to yield to impatience, as God will not disappoint them. Seekers of all things from God must be patient for an answer. Patience is a good quality for them to cultivate.
Akáṣọ lérí mọ ibi ò ún rè
Akáṣọ lérí mọ ibi ò ún rè
Translation: A woman with a folded shawl on her head knows where she is going.
People will help only so far; in the end, each person must experience their problems alone. Complicated issues become the sole responsibility of the person concerned, who the world leaves to their devices.
A parallel English proverb translates the Yoruba proverb as only the wearer knows where the shoe pinches. Be tolerant and empathetic; no one knows what a person is going through.
Ọmọ tó sọ̀kọ̀ sójà
Ọmọ tó sọ̀kọ̀ sójà: ará ilé rẹ̀ ní ńbá.
Translation: Children who throw stones into the marketplace will land on community members.
Children growing up in a community need to develop emotional skills, such as critical thinking, character building, and social interaction, to succeed in life. These are not just attitudes, behaviors, and strategies, but the very foundation of their development as productive adults. It is the role of parents and adults in a community to teach these social norms, thereby enlightening and informing the audience about the importance of emotional skills in child development.
The Yoruba uses the proverb "Ọmọ tó sọ̀kọ̀ sọ́jà" to illustrate the behavior of children who turn deaf ears to the counsel of parents and elders on social norms. Throwing stones into a crowded marketplace is not just a misstep but a severe consequence for such misguided children, highlighting the urgency and concern of neglecting social norms within a community.
This painting symbolizes children who, by throwing stones into a crowded marketplace, are metaphorically betraying the community that they should be relying on for support and succor. It also serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of neglecting social norms, such as isolation and discord within the community.
Àgbà tó jẹ àjẹ ìwẹ̀hìn
Àgbà tó jẹ ajẹ ìwẹ̀hìn, orí ararẹ̀ ni yi ó ò fi ru igbá délé
Translation: The elder who eats without thinking of the young ones will carry home his empty food tray
As the custodians of our traditional and cultural practices, elders have a significant role in educating our children and setting a positive example. It is a societal norm and a taboo for an adult to eat a meal without sharing it with the children. This traditional proverb is a stark reminder to elders who neglect this practice, warning them that such behavior can lead to a society devoid of harmony and well-being. Please remember the following text:
This painting depicts an elder walking with a container on his head, while the children, who would traditionally help him carry it, turn their backs on him due to his failure to share his meal with them."This proverb, "Àgbà tó jẹ ajẹ ìwẹ̀hìn" is used to warn an elder that eating a meal by oneself and not sharing with others will not make society thrive.
Ẹní gbe àjọbí
Ẹni gbe àjọbí; ni àjọbí ńgbè
Translation: The community supports anybody who supports the wellness of the community.
If a child does not die, they become adults. Growing up to adulthood takes more than a day's journey, a Yorùbá proverb explains. A child's growth to adulthood will require the input of parents and adults in the community.
"The Yorùbá proverb Ẹní gbe àjọbí illustrates the importance of the cooperative relationship between parents, grandparents, extended family, and members of the community working together to raise a child. It encapsulates the idea that "It takes a whole village to raise a child." This proverb reflects the belief that a child's upbringing is a collective responsibility.
This painting, Ẹní gbe àjọbí, shows a mother and her children with a child of another family bonding during an outing.
Ọmọ lòdòdó ẹ̀yẹ
Ọmọ lòdòdó ẹ̀yẹ
Translation: Children are the befitting flower of adornment
In Yorùbá society, children are not just part of life but the most cherished and celebrated treasure. The joy of giving birth and the pride of having children are unparalleled, reflecting the immense value Yorùbá society places on them.
Children play a pivotal role in Yorùbá society. They strengthen the bonds of marriage and serve as the custodians of society's virtues, customs, beliefs, and culture. As they mature, they take on the responsibility of caring for their aging parents and ensuring they receive a dignified farewell.
The Yorùbá proverb 'Ìbítáyọ̀' (a child’s birth is full of joy) encapsulates the joyous atmosphere in a Yorùbá household during a child’s birth. However, as much as children are celebrated, an excess of them can lead to economic challenges and potential impoverishment.
This painting shows a pregnant mother and her two children and the unasked question about her family's size.
Ọmọ lèrè ayé
Ọmọ lèrè ayé
Translation: A child is the reward of society
How important is a child in Yoruba society? This old song describes.
Ọmọ lèrè ayé, àmín àṣẹ.
Bʻ wọn ba rí ẹ l’òde
Wọn ò ní bèrè aṣọ, wọn ò ní bèrè owó
Wá l’ọ́mọ rẹ ńkọ́? wá tún l’aya rẹ ńkọ́?
Ọmọlèrè ayé, àmín, àṣẹ
A child is the crowning glory of life.
When people greet you on the street
They won’t ask you about your clothes, nor will they ask you about your money.
They ask you about the welfare of your child and that of the child’s mother.
A child is the reward of society, amen and amen.
In traditional Yoruba society, people judge a person as wealthy, with many wives and children. Having many children was the best kind of prosperity. People hold such a man in high regard in the community. His children provided the source of labor and wealth. The boys helped him with farm work, and the girls helped sell farm products at the market with their mothers. The girls also brought ample dowry to the father. More dowry meant more wealth.
In modern Yoruba society, while children are still considered a blessing from God, the perspective on their number has shifted. The focus is now on quality rather than quantity. This is reflected in the Yoruba proverb, 'Children are desirable, but not in excess, as in traditional culture.’
“Ọmọ bẹẹrẹ, òṣì bẹẹrẹ.”
The Yoruba prover' a multitude of children, a multitude of misery' reflects the traditional belief that while children symbolize prosperity, having too many can lead to financial strain and other challenges.
The painting depicts a mother and her children, symbolizing the traditional Yoruba belief in the importance of children. The unasked question of how many children are too many is a thought-provoking element, inviting viewers to reflect on the cultural shift in the perception of children in Yoruba society.
Ìlẹ̀kẹ̀ lọmọ, kò gbudọ̀já
Ìlẹ̀kẹ̀ lọmọ, kò gbudọ̀já
Translation: A child is (like) a strung waist bead; it must never break
Wearing waist beads is primarily famous amongst Yoruba women. To Yoruba women, waist beads are more than feminine symbols; beads play a significant romantic role in seduction. It serves as a sensual signal to potential male suitors.
A woman would firmly string a waist bead to prevent it from breaking and scattering the dots in all directions while she is dancing or walking. This Yoruba proverb, "Ìlẹ̀kẹ̀ lọmọ, kò gbudọ̀já," compares a child to a waist bead. A mother should never allow her child to slide down her back or side.
She entirely and securely straps the child to her back or to her side (when the baby is feeding); she further supports the child by passing a strip of cloth under the child's buttocks and around herself to her front to hold the baby in place snugly.
The painting shows two Yoruba women securely strapping their babies on their sides.
Conversations
Conversations
Ọgbọ́n kì í tán
Translation: Wisdom is never used up; there will always be a place and some use for knowledge.
A daughter is always a child to her mother at the early age of five or the advanced age of fifty-five. A mother shares the wisdom- the rare and priceless treasure she has accumulated over the years with her daughter to help her lead a successful life. The best and the most effective way for a mother to share her wisdom with her daughter is to communicate through her steady and firm voice coming from her mouth. (Sound comes out from two major organs of the body, the mouth and the anus) Communication with any other organ outside the mouth is immoral. An Ọwọ-Yorùbá proverb explains; "Ẹrun ò un iye b'ọmá fọọ́;iyeyèbá t'ùbọ fọ ó só ó." A mother communicates with her child with the mouth, a mother who shares through her anus farts.
Conversation I
Gbogbo ohun t'ó ń dán kọ́ ni wúrà
Translation: All that glitters is not gold
Gbogbo ohun t'ó ń dán kọ́ ni wúrà
Translation: All that glitters is not gold
At her dating age, a mother would consistently advise her daughter to judge a man she is dating and eventually marry based on his abilities and not his external personality. A man may be good-looking, charming, and rich but may lack knowledge or talent or, worse, be unscrupulous. The Yoruba proverb, 'Gbogbo ohun t'ó ń dán kọ́ ni wúrà,' all that glitters is not gold, is a practical guide in such situations. It beautifully conveys that many things that seem valuable on the surface may often be deceptive. Deceit is not a reliable strategy one can embrace. It nullifies any charm a person might have, a lesson that can empower us to make wise decisions.
The painting shows a mother and her daughter in conversation.
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Conversation II
Conversation II
Gbogbo ohun t'ó ń dán kọ́ ni jígí
Translation: All that shines is not glass
Conversations
This proverb, "All that shines is not glass," is a variant of the saying all that glitters is not gold. A mother would advise a daughter with wandering eyes that the grass is never always greener on the other side. A daughter should still appreciate what she has and not flirt with alternatives that may disappoint her. This mindset will hinder a daughter's happiness and potentially lead to regret. One does not endure adverse conditions when one is capable of the effort to escape them. The grass is not greener on the other side of the fence. It is the greenest where one waters it.
The painting shows a mother and her daughter in conversation.
A Rare Bird
A Rare Bird
Self-portrait with Lorraine
A rare bird is an exceptional person or thing, a rarity. It's an idiom that describes someone with unique qualities or characteristics that set them apart. For instance, a woman who is not only a soulmate, partner, or wife but also a source of unwavering support, understanding, and love fits the description of a rare bird.
When a man and a woman, the two complementary genders, unite, they create a harmonious bond. They define each other, and their union is a testament to the beauty of relationships. Imagine two rare birds, each with their unique qualities, coming together. It's a sight to behold, a treasure to be cherished. The Yoruba proverb, “Ẹyẹ ò lè fi apá kan fò,” further underscores this. A bird cannot fly with one wing. (A man and a woman lean on each other to sustain a successful union.)
Encountering a rare bird, a person with such unique qualities, is like stumbling upon a hidden treasure. It's a moment that fills you with awe, admiration, and even euphoria. It's a feeling that can't be easily described, but it's a sign that you've found something truly special, something that will change your lifel.
A Rare Bird is a painting of a husband and wife.
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Òdòdò Èyẹ
Red Rose
Òdòdó Ẹyẹ́
Translation: Befitting flower for all occasions
The itinerant musician's song beautifully compares a woman to a rose, symbolizing her beauty, grace, and importance in a man's life. Just as a rose is a befitting flower for all occasions, a woman is the sunshine of a man's life, the flower of his soul. This comparison not only highlights the woman's beauty but also her significance and the role she plays in a man's life.
A rose, the epitome of beauty, captivates with its dazzling color and sweet-smelling fragrance. Its delicate petals are meticulously arranged, a testament to its creator's artistry. Similarly, the creator fashioned a woman in the image of the rose, and the musician sang. The red rose unveils its beauty with its delicate stem, green leaves, and pure fragrance. It mirrors a woman's strength, elegance, and character, reflecting her unfading beauty.
The rose, though fragile, is not defenseless. It is adorned with thorns, a protective barrier against those who seek its fragrance without love, respect, and care. Similarly, a woman often confronts unwarranted oppression, harassment, and violation. Yet, like a rose shielded by its thorns, she possesses an innate protective system. She showcases this resilience and strength, inspiring all who witness her.
"As small as a needle is, it is not what a chicken can swallow," a Yoruba proverb concurs. This proverb, deeply rooted in Yoruba culture, is a powerful reminder of the consequences of malicious behavior towards a woman, as emphasized by the women's movement.
The painting is of a woman playfully admiring a red rose flower. Her playful demeanor reflects women's joy and resilience, even in the face of adversity. This connection between the woman's playfulness and the red rose's symbolism further emphasizes women's beauty and strength.
Gèlè Òdùn
Gèlè Òdùn
Gèlè òdùn bí i ká mọọ́ wé, ká mọọ́ wé kò dùn bí i kó yẹni
Translation: The headwrap is not as attractive as knowing how to tie it well; tying it well is not as beautiful as fitting the wearer.
It takes a whole village to raise a child, claim the Yorùbá of Nigeria. Mothers in compound responsible for the welfare of the children are known as "Ìyá a ká à" (mothers of the compound). They play essential roles in the children's upbringing.
Calling a mother "mother of the compound" is a mark of respect; All the mothers have names. Mothers in the compound with mislaid moral compasses lose the respect the other mothers and children have for them. They lose the privilege of providing care for the children.
Yoruba people use this proverb, "Gèlè òdùn bí i ká mọọ́ wé, ká mọọ́ wé kò dùn bí i kó yẹni," to describe one who assumes a position of respect but who cannot uphold the dignity which the role demands.
The painting is of a Yoruba woman in the process of tying a head wrap.
Ayé kò lọ rà á
Ayé kò lọ rà á
Ayé kò lọ rà á, ijọ arí kéré a jẹ kéré, ijọ arí wọmù a jẹ wọmù.
Translation: The world is not entirely enjoyable; the day one has a little to eat, one eats a little; the day one has plenty to eat, one enjoys plenty.
There is no fat in this world when one has a little to eat; one eats a little; when one has a lot to eat, one eats a lot. By nature, people crave enjoyment, to be alive, to love and be loved, and to have a good time as a source of pleasure. The right way to live is to enjoy every moment as it passes and live according to one's present circumstances.
This proverb, deeply rooted in Yoruba culture, reflects on the nature of enjoyment and life, inviting us to enjoy every moment and learn from life's experiences.
This is a painting of a couple enjoying good times.