The Ife Kingdom was a powerful Yoruba state centered in the city of Ilé-Ifẹ̀, located in what is now southwestern Nigeria. It flourished between the 11th and 15th centuries CE as a center of commerce with access to lucrative trade networks along the Niger River. Ilé-Ifẹ̀ is considered by the Yoruba people to be the cradle of civilization and the place of origin of all humankind. Yoruba monarchs, known as oòni, still trace their lineage back to the founding of Ilé-Ifẹ̀, and it remains the seat of Yoruba sacred kingship.

The Ife Kingdom is famous for its naturalistic brass, copper and terracotta sculptures, including royal heads that are considered masterpieces of African art. The discovery in 1938 of a trove of naturalistic sculptures at Ilé-Ifẹ̀ challenged European assumptions about the nature of African art. The brass and copper pieces were created using the lost-wax casting technique. Web resources here, here and here. Video here.

Crowned Head of a Ruler. Yoruba people. From the Wunmonije compound, Ife, Nigeria. Brass. 14th–early 15th c. CE. British Museum, London.