The ancient town of Ife is the ritual and artistic center of the great Yoruba tribe of western Nigeria. Ife style is reminiscent of that of Benin, which flourished in the 16th century. The bronze heads were cast by the melted wax method; their dimensions are near life-size and on some the whole facial area is covered with close parallel lines which, it is thought, may represent body marks of a particular kind. Surrounding the mouth and along the lower jaw, and also on top of the head, there are irregularly placed holes. It is assumed that these were for the purpose of adorning the head with some necklace-like ornament, marking the hair, beard and moustaches. Despite the disappearance of the people responsible for the ancient Ife art, people living on its territory continued to produce artwork inspired by the original masterpieces discovered during archeological excavations. 

This bronze cast head is of an Oni, the ruler at Ife. That this is a replica cannot be doubted, but what is important to note is that the skill of the Nigerian bronze and brass casters of today who cast this vessel continue a tradition nearly 1000 years old. This is proof that have not lost their skill in producing dynamicworks of art.

Please click photo for enlargement!

Sold

More are available

Dimensions: 18 1/2 inches tall x 12 1/2 inches deep x 8 inches across.

Any QUESTIONS please leave a message here at Contact Us!