Henry John Drewal

Dynasty and Divinity: Ife Art in Ancient Nigeria by Henry John Drewal

Ile-Ife is the supposed origin point of what is today Yoruba culture. The Yoruba are the predominate ethnic group in modern Nigeria and are associated with some of the most sophisticated art traditions on the African continent.

Ile-Ife is in southwestern Nigeria. Ile-Ife rose to prominence in the 9th century and flourished for approximately 600 years. Eventually, Ile-Ife was eclipsed by other kingdoms like Oyo and Benin. With no written records that have survived, the legacy of Ile-Ife is principally Ife art and Yoruba cultural traditions.

Ife art is best known for its bronze and terracotta sculpture. It is entirely possible that Ife art was expressed in other mediums like wood, ivory and textiles but the composition of the soil in Nigeria has destroyed these mediums, if they ever existed.

Like other similar books, the primary draw Dynasty and Divinity: Ife Art in Ancient Nigeria is the depictions of the Ife art. The majority of the works depicted are held in Nigeria's museums and thus are less well known. As a whole, they are spectacular and demonstrate a mastery of the medium. The copper/bronze sculptures are particularly impressive.

Also of interest in this book is the discussion of the broader context of Ife art, both its connection to contemporary Yoruba art and a historical connection to Nok art and Djenne art from what is today Mali. The authors make a compelling case for stylistic and technical links between the cultures. Unfortunately, like the Nok culture, there has been insufficient archaeological research to conclusively establish links between these cultures.

Dynasty and Divinity: Ife Art in Ancient Nigeria is a beautiful book showing a fascinating culture. A must have for anyone interested in the arts of Western Africa.… (altro)