The Fight of The Ancestors

Akofena (Queen Nanny of The Maroons)

by Love Hannington

The mountains of Jamaica once echoed with the sound of freedom being fought for, not granted. In those high, hidden places, a network of Maroon tribes, formed by Africans who escaped the brutality of enslavement, thrived under the leadership of a woman whose name still carries power: Queen Nanny. To the British, she was a threat. To her people, she was a protector, a strategist, a spiritual warrior.

Less commonly known by her given name Sarah Matilda Rowe, Queen Nanny was of Akan descent. The Akan brought with them the traditions and sacred symbols of their homeland, including the ancient visual language of Adinkra. Among these symbols, two crossed swords, Akofena, the “Sword of War,” stood for courage, valour, and heroism. For the Akan, these swords were more than weapons; they embodied the prestige and integrity of supreme power, of a people who refused to bow to oppression.

I chose Akofena to honour Queen Nanny’s spirit. Through Obeah, an animistic practice of deep spiritual power, she and her brothers wove a web of resistance across the island. Under her guidance, thousands of enslaved people escaped and reclaimed their lives, even as the British fought to crush them. In a world built on colonial laws designed to control and silence, she reminded us that freedom has always been seized, never politely handed over.

As a fellow Obeahwoman, I feel her presence as a guide in my own journey of returning to my ancestors’ practices, a return to the fierce, liberatory magic of Obeah. This painting is both an offering and a call to remember.

If you wish to welcome the protective energy of Queen Nanny into your home, prints are available upon request. The original painting remains in my private collection.

41cm x 51cm

Acrylic on canvas board

A luxury print, created at the exact same size as the original, is available for £88 including shipping. Each piece comes with a hand-signed certificate of authenticity, ensuring its place as a true collector’s item.

This luxury edition is strictly limited to just 111 prints worldwide. Once they are gone, they will never be released again.

Owning one is not just about bringing art into your home, but inviting the fierce protective spirit of Queen Nanny to stand guard over your sacred space.

Email hello@lovehannington.com to receive your print today.