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Ife. Oni bronze head
Nigeria
Height: 29 cm
Weight: 4600 grs
Diameter: 20 cm
MA1009-261
The remarkable bronzes of the kingdoms of Benin and Ife, in what is now Nigeria, have stunned art scholars from their discovery some six centuries ago. They show an awesome degree of dexterity and virtuosity in the making and their naturalistic depiction of humans is simply imposing. These heads are made by the lost wax technique and usually represent an Oni or royal person. The Oni was a descendant of Odudua, the maker of the world. The Oni was divine and never appeared in public without a beaded veil. This is a wonderful example. Please enjoy it and note, among other, the scarifications on the forehead. Age unknown. 1:1 scale.
The remarkable bronzes of the kingdoms of Benin and Ife, in what is now Nigeria, have stunned art scholars from their discovery some six centuries ago. They show an awesome degree of dexterity and virtuosity in the making and their naturalistic depiction of humans is simply imposing. These heads are made by the lost wax technique and usually represent an Oni or royal person. The Oni was a descendant of Odudua, the maker of the world. The Oni was divine and never appeared in public without a beaded veil. This is a wonderful example. Please enjoy it and note, among other, the scarifications on the forehead. Age unknown. 1:1 scale.