Women of the Elephant Tusk
ndi otu odu

Artist Statement

"Women of the Elephant Tusk: ndi otu odu" is a tribute to the rich cultural tapestry of the Igbo people, specifically Onicha, the vibrant commercial city along the Niger River in South-eastern Nigeria. As an indigene of Onicha myself, and as a woman, it was important for me to highlight the Otu Odu society, the esteemed socio-political women's group that forms one of the four governing bodies of Onicha.

This exhibition, two years in the making, relied on extensive research with my father, George Umunna, and aunt, Enyi Dibueze Cynthia Obianuju Lisk-Carew. It is my most personal exhibition to date, intertwining familial legacy with cultural exploration; most of the paintings and reference images are of my family members, making it a heartfelt tribute not only to the heritage of the Igbo people but also to the indelible mark left by my own lineage.

The significance of the Otu Odu society cannot be overstated. The women serve as guardians of Igbo customs, a beacon of tradition dating back to the 16th century. The very name, Odu, meaning elephant tusk, encapsulates the majesty and reverence bestowed on its members, who proudly wear ivory tusks as symbols of their identity and status.

In "Women of the Elephant Tusk: ndi otu odu," I invite viewers to journey through the corridors of time, where tradition meets modernity. This exhibition is a celebration of Nigerian heritage and women's empowerment, echoing the voices of my ancestors and amplifying the contributions of women.

— REWA