This original now lives with a collector. If it speaks to you, Jedidah would love to talk about a similar piece, or a print at her next drop. Email info@onaiiart.com or get in touch here.
This original mermaid art painting reimagines Rasi ya Mwana, an early female ruler of the Swahili coast, as a calm and commanding presence beneath the water. Its luminous surface and layered detail create a sense of movement and light, bringing depth and quiet elegance into a space. For collectors drawn to meaningful underwater painting, it offers both history and atmosphere.
- Original Mixed media artwork on canvas
- Dimensions 100 cm x 50 cm
- Created on a Stretched Canvas
- Edges are textured with floral patterns, painted and do not need framing
- Signed by the artist
- Certificate of Authenticity Included
- Free UK delivery
The Story behind Rasi ya Mwana
Inspired by Swahili coastal history, this underwater painting honours Rasi ya Mwana, a woman remembered in regional historical reconstructions as a ruler of Manda Island between 1381–1390 AD. She is portrayed here as an ancestral ocean figure, reflecting the strength and cultural richness of the maritime world that shaped the early Swahili city-states. Built with a richly layered textured art surface, the piece incorporates metallic paint, fine glitter spray, and genuine 24 carat gold leaf that softly catches the light as you move around it. Blending historical memory with contemporary mermaid art, the painting offers a refined tribute to feminine leadership shaped by the sea.
To see more of Jedidah's African queens, visit the Out of Africa collection.
Jedidah enjoys researching queens from African history to find stories that resonate. Creating artwork inspired by these historical queens brings her joy, as it keeps their stories alive.
Watch a close up video of the artwork below -
