Traditional Forms of Ife Art

When one considered the sheer breadth and sizelife of the region for their survival needs.
of the African continent it is easy to see why soAmong the more unique pieces of Ife art, are the
many unique and diverse forms of art originatedhuge monoliths created for what appears to have
there. Ancient, as well as modern black artists ofbeen ceremonial purposes. These enormous
Africa rely heavily on the natural resources foundworks of art are typically made from granite or
in their homes to produce their fascinatingclay. Quartz with its jewel like appearance found
sculptures, textiles, and pottery. Like theirits way into a wide assortment of religious pieces.
surrounding neighbors, the Ife has long madeSome experts credit this use of unusual materials
excellent use of the materials graciously given toto the European influence in the region during the
them by the environment. The result has been aperiod of the 12th through the 17th centuries.
long tradition of products of Ife art that depictsWherever this influence may have come from,
life in Western Africa.the result was a collection of stunning examples
Up to the present day Ife artists employ manyof Ife art.
of the same artistic methods as their ancestors.It is little wonder that a civilization as well
Fortunately for them and the world, many of theconstructed and rich in tradition as the Ife people
ancient artifacts are being used as blueprints forcreated such amazing art. Each and every piece
modern artists and their influence is tremendous inwas and still is steeped the beliefs and values of
the current Ife society.their society. Ife art is a reflection of the diversity
Ife art is a diverse collection of many differentthat is so often seen in the many countries and
art forms. Ancient and modern artists of thisregions of Africa. Ife art, since its ancient
region alike often use terra cotta clay, bronze,contributions were discovered in the archeological
and granite in their work. Quartz is seen used todigs, has been a defining force in a greater
create primarily religious pieces. The people whoappreciation of all of the art forms this area has
attend or who have attended Ife school are wellto offer.
schooled in making use of the resources thatMr. Moyo Ogundipe has a Bachelors of Arts
surround their beautiful homeland.degree in Fine Art from the University of Ife,
Some of the traditional forms of Ife art areIle-Ife, Nigeria and a Master of Fine Art degree in
sculpture, statues, stools, and religious items. InPainting from The Hoffberger School of Painting,
the case of the sculptures and statues manyMaryland Institute College of Art, Baltimore, USA.
different approaches were used to achieve theOne of Africa's most celebrated and renowned
desired effect. In some cases, the sculpturesblack artists, Mr. Ogundipe has exhibited
represented kings and deities and wereextensively in Africa, Europe and the USA. His
considered to be very stylized in design. Thepaintings have been described as hypnotic, colorful
busts that have been found are unique in the factand densely patterned.
that almost all of them were sculpted to theIn 1996, Mr. Ogundipe was awarded the
correct scale. In other words, the heads werePollock-Krasner Fellowship. And in 2005 he was
roughly the same size as the head of the modelinvited to become a member of Africobra, an
and were made to be a portrait of sorts. Animalsorganization founded in the 1960s and whose
are another favorite subject in Ife art. Manymembership comprises of distinguished
statues and busts have been found that depictAfrican-American artists.
the African respect and dependence on the animal