A Nigerian designer is incorporating cultural artifacts, such as the renowned Benin Bronzes, into fashion accessories with the dual aim of promoting the country’s cultural heritage and generating profit. Tosan Ideh, co-founder of ITSK Gold along with his friend Tuoyo Dudu, draws inspiration from Nigerian cultural symbols and artifacts to craft jewelry like rings and bracelets, as well as clothing.
In Lagos, at their shop, each piece of gold, silver, and brass-coated jewelry serves as a representation of Nigerian tradition and culture. Ideh, who has lived in Canada, emphasizes the universal resonance of symbols, stating that while people may not always speak the same language, symbols have a global appeal.
The motivation behind ITSK Gold’s creations is not just commercial; it’s rooted in a desire to create enduring products. Ideh expresses the aspiration to produce items that transcend generations, embodying true African heritage that stands the test of time.
The jewelry collection includes gold rings featuring the Queen Idia Mask, a significant artifact among the Benin Bronzes looted by British troops from the Benin palace in 1897. Queen Idia, a 16th-century queen mother from the Kingdom of Benin, is a powerful symbol. Additionally, a ring adorned with a Jekri sword, symbolizing the Niger Delta’s Itsekiri people, is on display. The Jekri sword is associated with courage and royalty, believed to possess magical powers.
Customers, like Abdulmalik Obaseki, appreciate the deeper meaning behind the pieces. Obaseki, after purchasing a lapel representing his dual Hausa and Benin tribal roots, emphasizes that wearing these pieces is not just about fashion but about wearing something meaningful and culturally significant.
