Queen Idia Mask and the Bronze Head: Proundly Nigerian Artefacts!

                                         Queen Idia Mask                                                               Bronze Head from Ife

Nigeria is a beautiful country with rich cultural background that dated centuries before contact with the colonial masters. A very good evidence that we had civilization before the advent of colonialism. The two wonderful ancient sculptures above are proudly Made in Nigeria. They have been taken away to the British Museum; and I want to use this medium to call for their return! It is better housed in our National Museum, the home museum. Home is home even if you live in Rome.

The Ivory Mask of Queen Idia

First, let me introduce you to Queen Idia. She was a queen that reigned in Benin in sixteenth century. She was the "Iyoba Esigie," (the mother of King Esigie). She owned the mask. A wonderful work of art that reflected the events of her time and reign. 

A close look at the top of the mask reveals human heads, the heads of Portuguese; reflecting the alliance of Benin Kingdom with the Portuguese traders that entered Africa in search of market and raw materials.

This mask was worn as a pendant by the Kings Esigie during the performance of rituals aimed at warding off evils from the kingdom.

The sculptural precision and accuracy observable from the artifact leaves one with awe regarding the level of development the ancient kingdom of Nigeria achieved before the colonialists came plundering.

This mask was the proud symbol of the African Festival of Arts and Culture in 1977. An event proudly hosted by this beautiful country, Nigeria. Our elders still remember with nostalgia, that festival. A festival which I believe, out of fear of not being able to beat the Nigerian set standard, no other African country was able to host. 

The Bronze Head of Ife

This is another archaeological finding excavated in 1938 at Ife in Nigeria. It is speculated to have been made around twelfth century! 

The craftsmanship is strikingly outstanding and very unassuming of its time. It is made with leaded zinc-brass. The martial appearance of the sculpture indicates the existence of strong army in the kingdom.

The power that be should make everything possible to return those ancient works of art. They are our pride, our heritage. This is Nigerian Features' humble request.