Overview
What do you imagine when you picture what wealth looks like? How does that image change when I ask the same, but for Black wealth? Historically the richest person in history -even by today’s standards- was Mansa Musa, the legendary ruler of the vast West African empire of Mali. When I think of what his wealth could look like today, I think of all the things that our biased society instead views as "ghetto" that is indeed rooted in Black/African history, all the way back to Mansa Musa's time. When I think of Black wealth, I think of this sculpted piece; I think of the Modern Mansa Musa. Long braids protected by his golden durag, while still shining with the additional hair accessories of pure gold and exotic gems. Complementing his flashy jewelry of golden nose rings, ear cuffs specially to fit him, earrings adorned with pearls, golden grills holding gems he's collected from all of his travels, and an expression relaxed, yet exuding confidence with a brief smiling grin to show the status and shine from his teeth. This is what modern Black wealth can look like, this is what Modern Mansa Musa could look like.
What do you imagine when you picture what wealth looks like? How does that image change when I ask the same, but for Black wealth? Historically the richest person in history -even by today’s standards- was Mansa Musa, the legendary ruler of the vast West African empire of Mali. When I think of what his wealth could look like today, I think of all the things that our biased society instead views as "ghetto" that is indeed rooted in Black/African history, all the way back to Mansa Musa's time. When I think of Black wealth, I think of this sculpted piece; I think of the Modern Mansa Musa. Long braids protected by his golden durag, while still shining with the additional hair accessories of pure gold and exotic gems. Complementing his flashy jewelry of golden nose rings, ear cuffs specially to fit him, earrings adorned with pearls, golden grills holding gems he's collected from all of his travels, and an expression relaxed, yet exuding confidence with a brief smiling grin to show the status and shine from his teeth. This is what modern Black wealth can look like, this is what Modern Mansa Musa could look like.
CLIENT
Solo
YEAR
2025
DELIVERABLES
ROLE
Lead Concept Design, Ceramicist, Sculptor





