Provenance

As part of the University of East Anglia’s Future and Form project, Ayọ̀bámi was one of five alumnus commissioned by the university to create a project that imagined the future of literature.

Provenance imagines the 120-year journey of a sacred ibeji artifact, traditionally used by the Yoruba people of Nigeria to honour deceased twins. The story spans from the artifact’s creation in Benin in 1895, through its capture during the British invasion of 1897, Nigerian independence in 1960, and its eventual arrival in present-day Norwich. Told across three screens and enhanced by live performances, the work delves into themes of loss, cultural displacement, and the decolonization of museum collections.

By combining live acting and recorded visuals, Provenance presents the ere ibeji not just as an artifact but as a symbol of familial and national memory.

This immersive piece was showcased in Norwich’s Dragon Hall and at the Sainsbury Centre. It was created in collaboration with Mutiny and directed by Marcus Romer. It also incorporated the work of Nigerian artist Osaze Amadasun.

Read more about the project here.