Ife Bronze Head II Low-poly 3D model

Ife Head This bronze sculpture portrays the Oni, the ruler of Ife—the ancestral home of the Yorubas—whose civilization succeeded the Nok civilization. Ife, a flourishing city-state, boasted an elaborate artistic heritage centered around crafting lifelike portraits, which provided the inspiration for this specific sculpture.

The sculpture’s neck showcases parallel lines that skillfully depict the flesh’s folds as seen on esteemed dignitaries. This head was affixed to the apex of a wooden effigy, dressed to replicate the deceased king’s appearance during funeral ceremonies, and then laid to rest in a sanctuary near the palace.

The extraordinary lifelike quality and intricate workmanship of these artifacts challenged Western perceptions of African art during that era. The head’s construction, utilizing the lost wax technique, showcases an impressively naturalistic style, with the face adorned with incised striations.

Source: Omorogbe, Aigbe. Ife Head, Bronze-cast(lost-wax), Private collection, Benin city