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. Read Also: Soaring Heights: Unveiling The World's Tallest Outdoor Elevator Artisans hailing from Owo gained widespread acclaim for their exceptional artistic prowess. Not confined to ivory alone, they de...