Kingdom of Ife; Sculptures from West Africa. Currently on show at the British Museum, London.
Ife (pronounced Ee-fah) is located in Southwest Nigeria and is regarded as the spiritual heartland of the local Yoruba speaking people. Yoruba are Nigeria's largest ethnic group and their myths celebrate Ife as the center of the creation of the world and all mankind.
These refined brass and copper sculptures, made using the lost wax process, were found adjacent to the Royal Place in 1938. They are now acknowledged, as some of the most refined and beautiful sculptures to be found in Africa.
A hundred or so pieces in this, not to be missed exhibition, shows that Africa civilization, was as sophisticated , as anything in the west during the 13/15th centuries.
This must see exhibition, will surely challenge people's assumption about the nature of Art coming from Africa. Enjoy !
Elise Godsell
Manifesto: a means of expression
