The Art of Owo

Located approximately midway between the Ancient Kingdoms of Ife and Benin

Style ElementsGreatly influenced by the Cultural and Artistic traditions

of Ife and BeninIdealized Naturalism

Art was predominantly in terracotta, wood and ivoryfor members of the royal household and titled chiefs

Fragment of a Headfrom a full figure,Possibly that of OronsenTerracotta, 500 B.P

Upper half of Male figure,Terracotta, 9.13/16 inches.700-500 B.P

Leopard gnawingA human leg,Terracotta, Owo, Yoruba, Nigeria

Arms holding an animal’s Head, Terracotta 14.3/16 in.

Cock, Terracotta, 4.5/16 in. 500 B.P

Fragment of a mudfish swallowing a lobster,Terracotta, 5.1/8 in. 500 B.P

Basket of severedHeads with slashedFaces, Terracotta

Fragment of a face from a ritual pot, Terracotta, 500 B.P

Hand holding a rat or a Lizard, Terracotta, 6.5/16 in. 500 B.P

Hand holding a leaf, Terracotta, 4.5/16 in. 500 B.P

Olowo of Owo and his courtiers in ceremonial regalia in honor of Oronsen.

Olowo of OwoIn ceremonial regaliaSurrounded by his courtiers

Ojomo of Ijebu Owo wearing aPair of beaded bands (ibolokun)During the Igogo festival

Divination Tapper (Iroke-Ifa),Ivory, 17th-18th century.

Ifa Divination Cup,(Agere Ifa)Ivory, Owo (Yoruba), Nigeria17th-18th Centuryh.8.3/4 in.

Lidded VesselIvory, 18th century,

Ivory Attachment,(Omama) 17th/18thCentury, 6.in

Ojomo of Owo in his Orufanran costumeWith Omama Ivory attachments,Images depicted on the costume are relatedTo the theme of warfare, protection andSuccess.

Ceremonial Sword and Sheath(Udamalore)Ijebu Owo, Yoruba, NigeriaCloth, glass beads, brass, iron, leather19th/20th centuryh. 20.3/4 in.