This stunning life-size bronze head of a woman is derived from a crucial period in the development of West African artistic traditions and technological innovation. Ife sculptures are some of the earliest naturalistic expressions of humans in the world predating even the European Renaissance.
This particular head depicts a young woman. Her head is largely naturalistic and complete with a rounded jaw, a high brow, a flat forehead, narrow eyes with lightly lifted lateral aspects and a well-shaped nose and full lips. The expression of the face appears to be in a state of deep reflection or peaceful serenity. Additionally the entire surface is polished without any rough edges except for the presence of pierced holes above the hairline most probably meant to carry a crown. The holes round the mouth and jaw most likely carried a veil of beads. The flange at the back of the face also has holes in order to attach it to a costume. This mask was clearly intended to be worn as a representation of a member of a royal family but the actual performance and the identity of the mask will remain forever a mystery.

This gorgeous piece of museum-quality African art will prove timeless for any serious collection of African art. -Philips, Tom. “Africa: The Art of a Continent.” New York: Prestel Verlag, 199