Royals

Size: 20 in x 30 in  
Date: September 2022
Medium: Oil on Canvas
Style: Abstract
Framed: No
Price: $700

In this piece, three Kuba royal masks take center stage — Queen Ngaady A Mwaash, the first wife of the founding Kuba King; the King himself; and his brother, Prince Bwoom. Their presence evokes a rich, historical narrative rooted in love, rivalry, and power. Queen Ngaady A Mwaash stands out as a symbol of resilience, said to have navigated the complex relationship between the two royal brothers with grace and strength.

Adding a contemporary layer to this royal tableau is the dignified profile of a Mangbetu woman from northeastern Congo. This figure serves as a visual testament to the enduring strength of Congolese women — not only those of royal blood or warrior status, but also the everyday women whose elegance and fortitude have long shaped the cultural fabric of the region.


German explorer Georg Schweinfurth, upon encountering Mangbetu women in the 19th century, described them as “aristocratic” and “elegant” — a sentiment echoed in the poised beauty captured here. Through this fusion of past and present, the work honors both the royal lineage and the quiet power of women whose strength transcends titles.

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It Takes a Village…Royal Style

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Always Shining