Rasi ya Mwana of the Swahili Seas (Mermaid Art)

Inspired by regional Swahili coastal history, this original mermaid art painting honours Rasi ya Mwana, a figure recorded in local historical reconstructions as having ruled on Manda Island between 1381–1390 AD. Associated with the early governance of Swahili city-states, she represents one of the earliest remembered female leaders of the Kenyan coast.

In this luminous underwater painting, Rasi ya Mwana is reimagined as a commanding ocean presence — steady, ancestral, and grounded. Her upright posture and forward gaze reflect authority rooted in early coastal trade networks and cultural exchange across the Indian Ocean. The surrounding sea life and currents symbolise the maritime world that shaped Swahili civilisation.

This original textured art piece is layered with depth and movement. Metallic paint, fine glitter spray, and genuine 24 carat gold leaf have been carefully integrated into her adornment and detailing. The painting shimmers and subtly picks up the light depending on the viewing angle, echoing sunlight filtering through water. The metallic and gold accents glow softly as the viewer moves around the work, enhancing its regal presence without overwhelming the composition.

As both African artwork and contemporary mermaid art, this piece bridges historical memory and imaginative interpretation — honouring a coastal ruler whose legacy survives through regional history and cultural reconstruction.

For more art Black History month art, visit the “Out of Africa” range.