BY WILLIAM DEWEYPENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY (FORMERLY UNIVERSITY OF IOWA) Nigeria; Yoruba (Ife) artist Obalufon mask Copper H. 29.5 cm (11 5/8″) National Museum, Lagos, Nigeria, 17 Photo by Dirk Bakker This copper mask is also said to have always been kept in the king’s palace. According to tradition it represents the Oni Obalufon, who is credited with bringing metal casting skills to Ife. Unlike most heads that … Continue reading IFE Arts part five

BY WILLIAM DEWEYPENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY (FORMERLY UNIVERSITY OF IOWA) Nigeria; Yoruba (Ife) artist Oni figure Brass H. 37 cm (14 9/16″) National Museum, Lagos, Nigeria, 13 (79.R.9) Photo by Dirk Bakker In 1938 a man was digging a house foundation near the Oni’s palace when he discovered thirteen heads. Shortly after that in early 1939 four more heads and this torso were found in the same location, … Continue reading IFE Arts part six