Mammy Yoko (1849–1906), or Madam Yoko was a pioneering figure of Sierra Leonean history. She was the leader of the Mende tribe and vastly expanded the Mende kingdom, as she grew to become an individual of considerable influence within the nation. In the late 19th century Mammy Yoko became a significant political figure. She formed diplomatic relations with the British, which strengthened her reign as a chief; but tragically would later lead to her downfall, as her allegiance with the British would be the reason her people ultimately rebelled against her. Mammy Yoko may be remembered as a charismatic intellectual who empowered herself by going against strict traditional West African gender roles and thus become a great leader and an important Sierra Leonean pioneer.
Ballpoint and coloured pens on paper.
30X42cm