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HOME :
Decorative Arts :
African Sculptures : Ife Style Bronze Sculpture of a Dignitary
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Ife Style Bronze Sculpture of a Dignitary - PF.6039
Origin: Nigeria
Circa: 20
th
Century AD
Dimensions:
17.75" (45.1cm) high
Collection: African
Medium: Bronze
$6,800.00
Location: United States
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| Description |
Ife, the capital and religious center of southwest
Nigeria, was one of the first Sub-Saharan cities
to emerge at the end of the first millennium A.D.
A substantial number of anthropomorphic and
zoomorphic sculptures, made most frequently in
terracotta although brass was also employed,
were produced in the region between the 11th
and the 15th centuries. This distinctive style is
broadly referred to as “Ife,” even though some
examples may come from other cities such as
Owo. The brass objects especially are strikingly
realistic, despite the fact they are almost
certainly idealized portraits of dead kings, called
Oni. The terracotta heads are more numerous
and varied, no doubt a result of the comparative
abundance and ease of working the material.
Some of the faces, whether made of brass or
terracotta, carry vertical parallel incisions,
possibly representing scarification or body paint.
This bronze sculpture, truncated at the figure’s
waist, is a fine example of the Ife style. The
overall molding of the figure and forms is
remarkably naturalistic considering the general
level of abstraction present in most styles of
African art. The figure wears a tight fitting
conical cap with a large projecting central crest
with a star-shaped emblem. Such caps and
ornaments occur frequently in Ife portraiture.
This crown probably symbolizes the figure’s
royal status, as does the series of intricately
sculpted necklaces and pendants that weigh
down his shoulders. Such necklaces and
bracelets were, and still are, a sign of wealth and
rank in African society. The figure also bears the
pattern of vertical parallel incisions that is the
hallmark of the Ife style across his torso and
face. This magnificent sculpture reveals all the
tremendous luxury and wealth that is Ife, home
to one of the greatest artistic flourishings that
Africa, and the world, have known.
- (PF.6039)
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