Ife was one of the numerous city-states founded
by the Yoruba, who housed themselves in
villages protected behind thick walls. Between
1100 - 1450 A.D. the city's prosperity permitted
the development of a royal court art, along with
the establishment of sanctuaries and cults. The
style of Ife busts is unique and very profound,
beginning with terracottas and culminating in
bronze, of which many are true masterpieces.
It is a delight to see the beauty and grace in this
handsome bust. As with others of its type, the
modelling is done with such refinement it is
difficult to distinguish male from female.
Perhaps
it is more accurate to include both elements as
essential to its character and aura. Immediately
we are captivated by the bust's presence; both
dignified and friendly at once. The striations on
the face represent ritual scarification and
heighten the dramatic quality of the face. Ife
headdresses are usually simple and elegant,
perfectly complimenting the overall style. This
particular one is like a soft cap with a crowning
ornament in an arrow shape. As with other Ife
sculptures this head possesses nobility and regal
dignity; a legacy of the royal art of Ife and the
sculptors who left behind such a noble art.
- (PF.4684)
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