The Ancestral Lineage

Born in 1966, Mufu Onifade currently lives and works in Lugbe, Abuja. He has a BA in Fine and Applied Arts from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. He is the founder of Araism. A genuine African painting method that celebrates African cultures. Its power is deeply ingrained in Yoruba culture. It is the result of ongoing studio experimentation that took place over seven years (1989–1996).

Alajobi (Ancestral lineage) as the title of the work states, depicts cultural beliefs, festivities, and heritage. In the painting, we see some heads of figures, small and big. The ancestors call out to their descendants to guide and direct them. In traditional African society, ancestors are revered and form part of the belief system. They are one with the gods and can be called upon to help their descendants.