Nok and Ife sculptures During the Iron Age

Document Type : Original Article

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Institute of African Research and Studies and Nile Basin Countries - Aswan University

Abstract

West African sculptures (Nok terracotta and Ife heads) represent an indigenous African tradition of high realism and extreme craftsmanship. Nok Was associated with the metal-smelting culture and spread to Central and Southern Africa through Bantu migrations, while Ife was connected to North Africa and Mediterranean culture through trade routes. Nok and Ife are the only two cultures from sub-Saharan Africa to have created sculptures of human figures close to life-size. Ife civilization inherited many aspects of Nok, as Nok was the first example of iron smelting technology in sub-Saharan Africa. Nok sculptures provide valuable insights into the social, cultural, religious, political, and economic trends of the Nok. They also indicate the geographical extent of Nok influence and document diseases that affected the population, including elephantiasis, dropsy, dental deformities, limb deformities, and obesity. Depictions of river blindness in Nok sculptures help trace Bantu migrations in Africa and indicate the existence of a widespread trade network. Nok human sculptures display a geometric style, prominent triangular eyes with exaggerated size, prominent eyebrows, and a unique artistic style. Ife heads represent an evolution from terracotta to copper, with more precise dimensions and calm, natural images of humans. Ife sculptures feature almond-shaped, upward-drawn eyes that give a serene appearance, precise anatomical details of the face, and a religious interpretation. Oral traditional and ethnographic evidence support the belief that the purpose of producing Nok and Ife sculptures was closely tied to religious practices. Ife is considered a holy place today.
 

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