The Antiquity of Yoruba Sculptures

 

After seeing a finely sculpted head of Yoruba origin from between the 12th and 14th century, I realized that I needed to share some of the art history of African countries. Yoruba artists began making terra cotta clay using the lost-wax method as far back as 11th century!

 

 

The Yoruba Kingdoms of West Africa have a very long history as artists and crafts people. They are regarded as some of the most skilled in the use of leather, glass, bronze, weaving, ivory and wood. Their sculptural works are referred to as "restrained."

Figures were usually symmetrical and dignified - much like Egyptian sculptures. They were largely religious figures or leaders reflecting the scarification patterns practiced which indicates the tribe and beautification of the individual. 

 

 

 Between the 14th and 15th centuries, Yoruba artists took their clay sculptures to a new level when they began pouring their clay sculptures into bronze.

 

 

None of the ancient sculptures are signed by a particular artist as all artistry was attributed to the "orishas" or spiritual gods. One of them is Obatala. As Wikipedia quotes, " Today, it is customary for the Yoruba to wish pregnant women good luck with the greeting: May Obatala fashion for us a good work of art "