OUTLINES | OHIRI 003

“In Akan animist Culture, the crocodile is a complex and mysterious animal. Depending on his posture, he represents something. I have selected 3 representations of the crocodile. Alone, he is a symbol of adaptability because it lives both in water and on land. Siamese crocodiles symbolise unity in diversity. Two crocodiles biting the other’s tail are a symbol of dualism, particularly of male and female gender symmetry.”

— AKÉBÉHI KPOLO

Ohiri creative director Akebehi Kpolo looked to Côte d’Ivoire’s folklore to inspire the third installment in a trilogy of collections: Outlines, a gift for the legendary King Crocodile. The core design element of its key pieces, the guiding line, is the silhouette of a half-submerged crocodile. A vivid blue lapis lazuli stone is set as its ominous, roving eye, dangerous & captivating. Striking pieces like the Crocodile King crossbody necklace capture the regal magic that comes alive in their stories, while subtle pieces like the paw-shaped lip ring quietly hint at the tales’ dark edge. The brass-accented woven bag, OHIRI’s first foray into accessories, is modeled after a traditional Akan stool and speaks directly to the legend by representing one of the gifts left on the water bank.

In July 2022, Ohiri creative director Akebehi Kpolo looked deeper to Côte d’Ivoire’s folklore to complete her offering to a legendary King Crocodile and imagined a new series of gifts ranging from jewellery to objects. Striking pieces like the Crocodiled Double ring capture the regal magic that comes alive in their stories, while subtle pieces like the textured nail ring quietly hint at the tales’ dark edge. The collection is completed by a new version of the bronze-accented woven bag, OHIRI’s first foray into accessories. A series of plaster and resin masks modelled after Akebehi’s body complete this offering: the materialization of a true self-gift.

“It seemed logical to me to also pay a tribute to the city of Yamoussoukro, forgotten capital of the Côte d’Ivoire, yet so rich in history and culture.” [Yamoussoukro is the birthplace of Félix Houphouët-Boigny, the first president of Côte d’Ivoire, and is home to an artificial lake filled with the region’s magnificent crocodiles.]
“Everything in this city constantly reminds of the presence of the (king) crocodile, so invisible and so present at the same time.”

— AKÉBÉHI KPOLO