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.