According to the Yoruba people, Ife was the
place where the gods descended from the skies
to populate the world. The children of the first
god, Odudua, created their own kingdoms, and
the kings of Ife are still considered semi-divine
by their subjects. Bronze heads marked the
apogee of Ife art, with a unique style
distinguished by extraordinary refinement and
exceptional beauty.
The classic Ife features are found in this lovely
bust. The expression on the young girl's face is
one of absolute composure and dignity. Her eyes
are like gentle curves of a petal; her mouth, part
of the same flower, blooms with luscious
fullness. The parallel lines covering the entire
face probably represent ritual scarification, and
create a hypnotic effect of harmony and serenity.
Her cap fits tightly to her head, flowing
gracefully with a seductive smoothness that
contrasts to the texture of her skin. The
chimney-like crest adds a masculine touch and
further accentuates the feminine element of the
entire bust. Since Ife art was a royal art, we may
assume this girl was a member of the royal
court. However, beauty is queen in its own
kingdom, especially when immortalized by a
master sculptor in the lasting medium of bronze.
- (PF.4667)
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