Photostory Adé is an ode to the Adélakun lineage of Yoruban Royalty. The photos narrate the stories of Yoruba River deities and Orishas through the craftsmanship of my crowns. The work is an interpretation of the crowns of the Orisha Yemoja, Oshun, Oya, and Obatala. The women show an unwavering gaze of confidence in the images showcasing resiliency and mirroring the attributes of the Orishas. My ancestry is rooted in this work, and I reclaim our ancestors by presenting Yoruban mythology. The ancestral mothers and their folklore inspire me and I aim to preserve it by highlighting the names of and the stories of the Orishas. My work aspires to bring awareness to the movement through Afro spirituality, traditions, and Afro-futuristic imagery.
Adé means crown in the Yoruba language native to South Nigeria. Destinie Adelakun pays homage to her last name Adelakun - the crown maker. She handmade these crowns utilizing sacred cowrie shells.
Models: Angear and Elsie
Crowns, styling, and photography: Destinie Adelakun
Lighting Design: Lowel Alomar
Adé means crown in the Yoruba language native to South Nigeria. Destinie Adelakun pays homage to her last name Adelakun - the crown maker. She handmade these crowns utilizing sacred cowrie shells.
Models: Zara
Crowns, styling, and photography: Destinie Adelakun
Lighting Design: Lowel Alomar
Adé means crown in the Yoruba language native to South Nigeria. Destinie Adelakun pays homage to her last name Adelakun - the crown maker. She handmade these crowns utilizing sacred cowrie shells.
Model: Sumiyah
Crowns, styling, and photography: Destinie Adelakun
Lighting Design: Lowel Alomar
Making of Ade (The crown) Photo series.
Shot and edited by Lowel Alomar