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Dimitri André

Probably a head of Olokun in the style of Ife, Nigeria, But there are different opinions about this bronze head. Another opinion, based on oral tradition, assumes that this is the portrait of a Queen of the Ooni.
Life sized and cast using a lost wax technique. A crown like headdress with a circular crest, and a tubular band that runs across the head ornamented with small studs running horizontally on the top and the bottom of the band. The face with a delicate features: almond shaped eyes, small nose and full lips, with refined overall patterns. The neck is ringed which is a sign of beauty across many Ife and Benin heads. The holes in the neck were used to attach it to a wooden marionette, as described and shown by Frank Willett, Ife, pages Signs of oxidation, the neck is partly fragmentary, Certificate of origin and provenance, incl. wooden stand.

“According to the oral traditions of the Yoruba people, Ife is the place where life and civilisation began. Ife is regarded as the legendary homeland of theYoruba-speaking peoples and its sacred ruler, the Ooni, is still revered as the descendant of the original creator gods. Ife is located in Osun State in modern south-western Nigeria.

[Lajuwa, Art of Ife, National Museum Lagos, 1955; The terracotta head in Lagos has nearly the same size like our head. And shows probably Olokun or a Queen of the Ooni.]

"Ife began to develop as a city-state in the late first millennium, around AD 800 and became a leading political, economic and spiritual centre in the lower Niger region. Between 1100 and 1400 it floursihed as a commercial centre with access to the lucrative trade networks along the Niger River.

The art of Ife has produced a large corpus of sculptural works in terracotta, stone, brass and copper which were found at different sites in the city. Among these artworks the representations of humans are striking for their naturalistic style. This life-like modelling is unique in Africa and when objects from Ife were first presented to the western world they were compared with the classical traditions of Ancient Greece and Rome. It was even suggested that such heads were evidence that Ife was the site of the lost civilization of Atlantis. In fact the sculpture of Ife is today rightly seen as one of the highest achievements of African art and culture.” Source: British Museum

Lit:
E. Platte, 2010, Head of a Ruler, London, British Museum Company
E. Eyo and F. Willett, 1980, Treasures of Ancient Nigeria, London, Royal Academy of Arts
J. W. Langton, O. Akin Ige & T. Rehren "Early Primary Glass Production in Southern Nigeria" in Journal of African Archaeology, Vol. 4 (1), 2006

 The Ife head of a queen refers to a sculpture from the ancient kingdom of Ife, one of the most significant cultural and artistic centers in pre-colonial West Africa. Ife, located in present-day southwestern Nigeria, was renowned for its advanced artistic traditions, particularly in the realms of metalworking, terracotta, and bronze casting.
The Ife heads, especially those depicting royalty and important figures, are some of the most iconic artifacts associated with the civilization. These sculptures often represent kings (Ooni), queens, and other high-ranking individuals, and they are noted for their intricate detail and naturalistic qualities, which set them apart from many other African art traditions.
An "Ife head of a queen" would likely be a highly detailed sculpture made from materials such as terracotta, brass, or bronze, featuring features like:

Head of an Ooni in the style of Ife, exhibited 2018 Wolfgang Jaenicke Gallery (last photo sequence).

1. Realistic facial features: The Ife heads are known for their lifelike depictions of human faces, showing an extraordinary level of skill and an understanding of human anatomy.
2. Complex hairstyles and adornments: Queens and other women depicted in Ife art are often shown with elaborate hairstyles, crowns, or jewelry, reflecting their status and beauty.
3. Symbolism of power: The queens represented in Ife art are likely symbols of divine authority or noble status, with their heads serving as representations of leadership and reverence within the community.
These heads are generally believed to represent royal figures from Ife's classical period, roughly from the 12th to 15th centuries. They were likely used for ceremonial or religious purposes, possibly associated with ancestral worship or the honoring of deities. Some of the most famous Ife heads have been unearthed from archaeological sites in the region, revealing a complex and highly developed culture.
One of the most famous examples of Ife sculpture is the "Ife Queen Head," which stands as a testament to the artistry and cultural significance of the Ife people.

Bronze - Fair condition

Head - Ife - Nigeria  (No Reserve Price)

African & Tribal Art

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Head - Ife - Nigeria (No Reserve Price)

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