Kingdom of Ife at British Museum

The exhibition Kingdom of Ife at British Museum brings to the UK some of the most impressive sculpture from Western Africa from the 12th to the 15th centuries. Headlining a series of African inspired events to celebrate 50 years of African independence, this is sure to be a big hit with African art fans in London.

Kingdom of Ife
British Museum is hosting the Kingdom of Ife exhibition over the first half of 2010 and showcasing over 100 pieces of sculpture from Western Africa. Ife is a legendary city, and is regarded as the spiritual homeland of the Yoruba people who live in Nigeria and the Republic of Benin. Highlighting the most impressive pieces of sculpture, the exhibition of Kingdom of Ife at British Museum invites visitors to take a look at the history of a powerful cosmopolitan people.

Everyday life in Ife
During the 12th to 15th centuries Ife was a wealthy trade city with many links to foreign cities, allowing its people to prosper. Having developed a realistic style of portrayal during this time, the Kingdom of Ife sculptures represent a truly naturalistic representation of society. Youth, old age, illness and suffering are all depicted in the sculptures, along with some stunning works in copper of an early King, Obalufon II.

Royal status
Several pieces with royal associations are on show in the exhibition, including many that bear the cultural markings of tatoos or scars. Some terracotta heads are depicted with headgear or jewellery befitting high class status. Many of these included in Kingdom of Ife at British Museum share the same style of natural uniformity, with each one bearing subtly different characteristics suggesting that they were associated with a coronation or a royally themed ritual.

Yoruba myth
Alongside the copper mask which is one of the finest representations of royal power on show at the Kingdom of Ife at British Museum, other sculptures represent the legend that Ife was the centre of creation across the globe, and home to many sacred groves. Numerous sculptures come from these groves, with stone monoliths, and lifesize human and animals figures featuring highly.

African heritage
As the popularity in heritage art has increased in the Yoruba area and the sacred groves are still in use, the works of art included in the Kingdom of Ife at British Museum have become iconic symbols of African identity. Events to celebrate the 50th anniversary of African independence are planned to coincide with this exhibition, so click back soon for more information on how you can join in with the British Museum's celebrations.

The exhibition Kingdom of Ife at British Museum takes place from 10am - 5.30pm Thursday 4th March - Sunday 4th July 2010.

For more information or to book tickets for this event, click on the link below.

British Museum Official Website

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