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“Dynasty and Divinity”, the first big exhibition

devoted to African sculpture from the Kingdom of Ife (in present-day Nigeria),

begins an 18-month tour of America. The show, which consists of a number of

works in stone, terracotta and metal made between the 9th and 15th

centuries, is a genuine revelation and a rare treat. Art from dramatically

different cultures is often hard to connect with, as is their languages,

traditions and ways, but these sculptures are naturalistic and remarkably

accessible.

More than 100 works are on display. Some have been

taken abroad before, some

have left Africa for the first time. Text and photo murals on the walls

instruct visitors about the ancient kingdom, which had been an unbroken

monarchy for more than 800 years.

The background information is interesting but limited.

The art itself makes a powerful impact. Some of it is unnerving. A few of

terracotta heads are gagged; others are deformed either by birth defects or

disease. A dozen or more in copper alloy are exciting in a less complicated

way; their faces radiate serenity. Ten of them are life-sized. The three that are somewhat smaller are topped by gorgeous

crowns decorated with what appears to be rings of beads. These heads are

beautiful, technically sophisticated and compelling.

Some of the objects in the exhibition definitely used

to play a part in rituals. But were they made for that purpose? There is no

answer as Ife had no written early history. Many of the works were chance

discoveries. There is no archeological record to help scholars find answers to

the many questions that they raise.

Were the copper-alloy heads the work of a single artist or workshop? Are the

heads portraits or idealized images? It is almost impossible to be sure of the

sex of one or two.

the casts were made from female models

the exhibits were discovered by chance

the exhibition leaves many questions to be answered

the heads were made for religious purposes