Ivory Splendor: Owo's Artistic Legacy in the 16th-18th Century 🌍🎨

By Jude Obuseh
In the era spanning the 16th to the 18th century, exquisite ivory carvings emerged from the Kingdom of Owo, a formidable Yoruba city-state nestled in the southwestern region of Nigeria. Owo, wielding significant influence, fostered strong ties with its ancestral home, Ile-Ife, and the potent state of Benin City (Edo), which stood as the preeminent power in the region during Owo's zenith.

These ivory masterpieces encompassed a diverse array, including lidded vessels, bracelets, equestrian figures, ceremonial swords, and various elements of royal regalia. Commissioned specifically for the Olowo of Owo, the revered monarch, and his retinue, these carvings served as a captivating visual manifestation of wealth and authority within the royal court of Owo.


Artisans hailing from Owo gained widespread acclaim for their exceptional artistic prowess. Not confined to ivory alone, they demonstrated remarkable proficiency in crafting bronze and wood, showcasing a multifaceted mastery of materials. Their reputation extended beyond the borders of Owo, as the rulers of Benin sought their expertise, commissioning these skilled artisans for bespoke creations.

This period marked not only the zenith of Owo's influence but also a flourishing of artistic expression, with the ivory carvings standing testament to the cultural richness and aesthetic sophistication of the Yoruba people during this remarkable epoch.
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