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Seated figure (Yoruba), 13th-14th century. Tada, Nigeria.

Copper, 53.7 × 34.3 × 36 cm.

The National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Lagos.

The naturalistic proportions and life like qualities of this figure make it a clear masterpiece of Ife art, particularly when compared to other examples in which the head comprises at least a quarter of the figure’s height. The right foot may have once protruded below the base level, intending for it to sit atop a rounded stone throne. This piece was cast in nearly pure copper, making it too heavy to join the mould to the crucible, so it is likely that the mould was partially buried underground and the metal melted in several sealed crucibles. The figure wears a wrap which is overlain with a beaded net.

The smooth appearance can be attributed to the Friday ritual of taking the figure to the river and scrubbing it with gravel to ensure the fertility of their wives as well as the fish they consumed.