This is an ode to the pounded, moreish, sticky, starchy, and sometimes fermented delicacies of Nigerian cuisine. Often difficult to describe, swallows are quickly becoming known in the Western world as “fufu,” As with much of my work, I’m on a mission to correct this misinformation and share the intricacies of my culture. This trio of scoops (igabko) is a contemporary iteration of the traditional ones often made from dried gourds - a calabash. The calabash (igba) is a cardinal object in the Yoruba world view. It is natural that we reference this when nourishing ourselves. Here, they are carved in soft alabaster. The wide mouths and short handles evoke the scooping swish of the aunties that plated my favourite swallows.
Funlola Coker
Amala, Fufu, Eba
Set of 3
Alabaster
2024
Amala is shown on a display plate, which is not a part of the artwork.