Ladi Kwali || The Icon on Nigeria’s Twenty Naira Note

Ladi Kwali, the distinguished woman whose face graces the Nigerian twenty naira note, stands as one of the most celebrated artists in Nigerian history. Born in 1925 in Kwali, a village in the Gwari region of Northern Nigeria, she emerged from a community where pottery was not just an art but a vital part of daily life and culture. Among the Gwari people, pottery was a traditional craft largely practiced by women, and young Ladi Kwali began learning it by observing her aunt. What started as a local skill soon blossomed into a craft that would bring her national and international recognition.

Ladi Kwali’s artistry in pottery was exceptional. She combined traditional Gwari pottery techniques with her own creative innovations. Her pots were typically hand-built, coiled, and decorated with intricate patterns and motifs derived from nature and her surroundings. Her designs were not only beautiful but also deeply cultural, reflecting the heritage of her people. Her unique style, mastery of form, and attention to detail set her apart from other potters of her time.

By the 1950s, her reputation had spread beyond her village. In 1951, her talent caught the attention of British studio potter Michael Cardew, who was serving as the Pottery Officer in the colonial government. Cardew was fascinated by her work and invited her to join the newly established Pottery Training Centre in Abuja (then part of Northern Nigeria). Ladi Kwali accepted the offer and became the first female potter to work at the centre. There, she learned modern techniques such as wheel-throwing and glazing, which she successfully merged with her traditional Gwari methods to produce groundbreaking ceramics.

Her work began to draw attention from art lovers and critics worldwide. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, her pieces were exhibited in major galleries, including the prestigious Berkeley Galleries in London. Audiences in Europe, Britain, and America were impressed by the elegance and craftsmanship of her work. Despite not receiving formal education, Ladi Kwali’s pottery spoke volumes — telling stories, preserving culture, and pushing the boundaries of art.

In recognition of her contribution to art and culture, Ladi Kwali received numerous accolades. She was awarded an honorary doctorate by Ahmadu Bello University and was conferred with the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 1963. These honors were particularly significant at a time when few African women received such global recognition. Her success was not only a personal achievement but also a source of pride for Nigerian women and artists everywhere.

Ladi Kwali continued to teach and inspire other potters at the Abuja Pottery Centre for many years. Her dedication to her craft and her community helped preserve and elevate traditional Nigerian pottery. She remained active in the pottery world until her passing on 12 August 1984.

Today, her legacy lives on. In 2007, the Central Bank of Nigeria honored her by placing her image on the twenty naira note, making her the first and only Nigerian woman featured on the country’s currency. This recognition serves as a lasting tribute to her remarkable life, her contributions to Nigerian art, and her role in bringing indigenous craft to the global stage.

Ladi Kwali is not just a name or a face on currency, she is a symbol of talent, culture, resilience, and excellence. Her story continues to inspire generations of artists, especially women, to embrace their heritage and express it with pride.