Queen LaYaka of Eswatini (African Queens Textured Art)

Step into the powerful legacy of Queen LaYaka, the formidable Queen Mother who stood at the very foundation of the Swazi nation in the late 18th century. Ruling alongside her son, King Ngwane III, she didn't simply support a throne — she helped establish it. In this evocative textured art and fabric art piece by African artist Jedidah, Queen LaYaka is reimagined with the regal presence and quiet authority that defined her historic role as co-ruler and spiritual anchor of her people.

Queen LaYaka's reign marks the genesis of Eswatini's unique dual monarchy system, known as Ndlovukazi ("She-Elephant"), where the Queen Mother holds equal political and spiritual power alongside the king. In Swazi tradition, men are symbolized by the lion — representing strength and kingship — while women are symbolized by the elephant, embodying wisdom, memory, and matriarchal leadership. This wasn't ceremonial — it was governance. She advised on matters of state, mediated conflicts, performed sacred rituals, and safeguarded the nation's spiritual wellbeing. Her influence shaped the very structure of Swazi leadership, a system that endures to this day.

In Jedidah's African artworks, Queen LaYaka is portrayed alongside a majestic lion — bridging both symbols of power as she stands between masculine and feminine authority, the Lion and the She-Elephant united in her sovereign presence. The textured art technique creates extraordinary depth through layered paint and mixed media, while the fabric art edges frame this piece with authentic cultural richness. Warm ochres, burnt siennas, and golden highlights evoke both the African savanna and the radiant strength of a queen who built a kingdom. This fabric art border adds a tactile, handcrafted quality that honors traditional African textile arts.

Her story is one of nation-building, spiritual leadership, and the matriarchal power woven into the fabric of African governance. Queen LaYaka represents the strength of African women who have always been more than consorts or symbols — they have been architects of kingdoms, guardians of culture, and voices of divine authority.

More than a portrait, these African artworks celebrate feminine power rooted in tradition, continuity, and sacred responsibility. The combination of textured art and fabric art creates a multi-dimensional viewing experience that challenges the narrative of singular, male-dominated leadership, reminding us that African queens have co-ruled, co-created, and co-protected their nations for centuries.

Perfect for those who honor African heritage and seek African artworks that tell untold stories, this textured art and fabric art masterpiece brings the spirit of a founding queen into contemporary spaces. Whether displayed as a centerpiece or within a collection celebrating African royalty, Queen LaYaka of Eswatini stands as a timeless embodiment of strength, wisdom, and the sacred feminine at the heart of a nation.

As part of Jedidah's growing collection of African artworks, this piece is both a cultural tribute and an inspiring feature for Black History Month art, honoring the bravery, sacrifice, and leadership of one of Africa’s most revered women.

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