Olowe of Ise

Background

Olowe of Ise was born in 1873 in Efon-Alaiye, Nigeria, but he lived most of his life in the city of Ise.

Education

Olowe's descendants claim he was self-taught, but it is likely that he learned the Yoruba canon and perfected his carving skills during an apprenticeship.

Career

Olowe's career started when he became a master artist at the Arinjale's palace, and as his fame grew, other Yoruba kings and wealthy families commissioned him to carve architectural sculptures, masks, drums and other objects for their palaces. Olowe probably carved this lidded bowl with figures for a king or other person of high social status or for a shrine.

Among the Yoruba such elaborately carved and decorated bowls were prestige objects used to offer kola nuts to guests or to deities during religious worship. The image of four dancing girls on the lid, for example, is the first such representation in Yoruba art. Olowe's choice of dancers raises questions about his inspiration. Olowe also depicted nude males, one of whom is kneeling, on this bowl. Such renderings are exceptional and challenge the Yoruba canon. Finally, except for the lid, the entire sculpture, including the bearded head shown resting on the base, was carved from a single piece of wood. While the head can be moved within the "cage" formed by the male and female figures, it cannot be removed. The bowl is believed to be a later version of a bowl in the Walt Disney-Tishman African Art Collection which was collected at the turn of the century. Although similar in design and decoration, this later work is a more dynamic sculpture.

Achievements

• Olowe is considered by many Western art historians to be the most important Yoruba artist of the 20th century. His unique style and remarkable technical skill commanded the attention of Yoruba kings, who commissioned him to sculpt doors and other objects for their palaces.

Works

More photos

• painting

  • Lintel

  • Bowl

  • Bowl with figures

  • Ilekun Aafin

  • Bowl with figures

Views

In addition to the inventive dynamism of the overall design, Olowe's works are noted for the attention given to surface detail. While innovative in their formal interpretation, the subject of his works is a classic emblem of regional leadership.

Personality

Olowe was an innovative, virtuosic, and even daring artist.

Quotes from others about the person

• An artist of universal appeal, Olowe of Ise was unique among Yoruba artists and remains without peer.

References

• Olowe of Ise: A Yoruba Sculptor to Kings
  1998