Head of an Ife King

Introduction In January 1938 workmen were digging foundations for a new house in Wunmonije Compound in the city of Ife, in what is now south- western Nigeria. While clearing away the topsoil they struck metal and further digging revealed a group of cast heads. This accidental find led to the eventual discovery of 17 heads in brass and copper and the broken top half of a king figure

Description This head clearly portrays a person of status and authority. The elaborate headdress probably represents a crown. It has a central band which appears to include numerous glass or stone beads of different shapes and sizes. A fringe of feathers is indicated along the crown’s peaked front. The back of the neck is hidden by a beaded and plaited cover. Most striking perhaps is the plaited crest rising from the front of the crown with a beaded conical boss at its base. Traces of red and black paint are evident throughout.

The finds from Wunmonije Compound were published in 1938-9 and created a sensation in the western world. It was initially assumed that these beautiful sculptures could not have been made in Africa by African artists. The naturalism of the works gave them a portrait-like appearance and comparisons were immediately made with masterpieces from European traditions. The sculptures from Ife are now rightly seen as one of the highest achievements of African art and culture.

The People The Yoruba people began out of the lle-ife tribe. They are mostly Christians, muslims and of traditional beliefs today although in their past they had their own form of religion which revolved around deities like Sango (god of thunder), Ogun (god of iron), Soponna (god of smallpox), Yemoja and so many other gods. The Yoruba people take their culture seriously; greetings form an important part of daily life. While greetings are exchanged, it is important for the people to smile; and when asked about the wellbeing of someone, time is given to respond as this is considered to be polite. The Yorubas greet their elders with a lot of respect, the boys prostrate to greet their elders, while their female counterparts greet by kneeling on one or two knees depending on the tribe.

The People continued These people also have a very rich cultural background; there are different forms of dance, arts, music, dressing and philosophy. The Yoruba dressing is usually made up of brightly colored dresses with hats and shoes matching in colour. The females dress up mainly with a head tie known as “Gele”, and a long wrapper with a short-armed top. The males normally wear a long-dress in the form of a shirt almost touching the knees or even the ankles; a matching trouser often accompanies this and a hat. They have a general language called “Yoruba” (Yooba) Some of the most prominent works of the Yoruba people are in the field of art, where the works that came out of there compete favourably with that of Ancient Greece and Rome.