Mwana Tau of the Swahili Seas - Original Mermaid Art

£1,450.00

African Artwork: Mermaid Art Painting – Mwana Tau of Siyu (The Tidal Matriarch)

This original mermaid art painting honours Mwana Tau, a woman remembered in the oral traditions of the Swahili coast. Suspended beneath the water, she is portrayed with a quiet strength that brings depth and elegance to a space. The luminous finish and layered surface create a striking underwater painting for collectors drawn to meaningful art.

Details-

- Measures 100 x 50 cm in diameter

- Mixed media artwork on canvas

- Complimentary UK local delivery

- Edges are textured with floral patterns, painted and do not need framing

-  Please allow one week for local delivery

-  Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity

The Story behind Mwana Tau

Inspired by the oral history of Siyu on Pate Island, this underwater painting reflects the enduring presence of women within Swahili coastal society. Mwana Tau is remembered in local memory as a woman of quiet strength, representing the influence many women held through cultural stewardship, community, and resilience along the East African coast. She is shown moving with the current, her flowing fabrics and reflective expression suggesting both grace and inner resolve. Built as richly layered textured art, the piece combines metallic paint, delicate glitter spray, and genuine 24 carat gold leaf that catches the light as you move around it. By blending memory with contemporary mermaid art, the painting becomes a tribute to feminine strength carried quietly through generations.


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

Jedidah enjoys researching queens from African history to find stories that resonate.   Producing a piece of artwork inspired by this historical queens brings Jedidah such joy as it keeps their stories alive.

Watch a close up video of the artwork below -