Usibakaiye Agbeyegbe

Siba (Elizabeth Usibakaiye Agbeyegbe) is a British and Nigerian-trained healthcare lawyer turned textile artist, currently based in Nevis, St. Kitts and Nevis. Born in England, Siba first visited Nigeria at sixteen and later returned in her twenties to study Law, strengthening her connection to African culture. After years in the legal field, she transitioned into textile art, blending the traditional craft of West African strip weaving with contemporary design.

Siba works primarily with upcycled materials, transforming ceremonial garments into innovative apparel, décor, and sculptures. Drawing on her Yoruba heritage from Ijebu Imushin, Ogun State, Nigeria, her art is deeply rooted in the cultural significance of handwoven textiles like Yoruba Aso-Oke, Ghanaian Kente, and Malian Bogolanfini. She is committed to preserving these traditions, ensuring these rich fabrics are not discarded but repurposed into modern art forms.

Her first solo exhibition, Cognition, held in November 2023 at Charlestown Gallery in Nevis, marked a key moment in her artistic career. Through intuitive and spiritual processes, Siba’s work transforms two-dimensional weaves into tactile, three-dimensional forms.

Beyond her art, Siba advocates for the artisans who produce these ceremonial textiles, aiming to create a sustainable secondary market that improves their health and living standards. Her work highlights the importance of preserving the heritage of African textiles while ensuring the communities behind them thrive.

Olori Abele II (Pampered Queen)
Contemporary Yoruba Aso-Oke
14 x 9 x 9 in
Courtesy of the artist
$2,400
Purchase

Olori Ajoke (Queen Loved By All)
Medium contemporary Yoruba Aso-Oke
14 x 9 x 9 in
Courtesy of the artist
$2,400
Purchase

Olori Asabi (Selected Queen)
Medium Yoruba Aso-Oke
14 x 9 x 9 in
Courtesy of the artist
$2,400
Purchase

Olori Asake II (Cherished Queen)
Contemporary Yoruba Aso-Oke
14 x 9 x 9 in
Courtesy of the artist
$2,400
Purchase

Olori Iya Oba (Queen Mother)
Contemporary Yoruba Aso-Oke
14 x 9 x 9 in
Courtesy of the artist
$2,400
Purchase

Olori Omo Oba (Queen Consort)
Mid-late 20th century Yoruba Aso-Oke
14 x 9 x 9 in
Courtesy of the artist
$2,400
Purchase

Princess Rahina (Kind Queen)
Medium late 20th century Yoruba Aso-Oke
14 x 9 x 9 in
Courtesy of the artist
$2,400
Purchase

Queen Zainab (Gracious Queen)
Medium mid-20th century Yoruba Aso-Oke
14 x 9 x 9 in
Courtesy of the artist
$2,400
Purchase