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"Yoruba: An Art of Life” is on exhibit from Dec. 11, 2004 to March 27, 2005.

The exhibit features the richly traditional artwork of the Yoruba people from various mediums. Included are wood sculptures and masks, ironwork, bronze casting, beadwork, paint, colored textiles, figures and ritual equipment.

Yoruba art dates back as far as the eleventh century A.D. in the form of bronze sculptures of their rulers. The various mediums of work are centered on religious and ritual practices and various forms are connected with the different deities. Two of the most important deities are “Eshu” – the trickster god, and “Shango” – the god of thunder and lightening.

The traditional forms of Yoruba artwork have changed little throughout history. Young artists spend long periods of time in apprenticeship. This results in the carrying on of traditional Yoruba styles. Individual creativity is developed though, through the way of sculptural signatures and stylistic differences.

Historically, identification of Yoruba artists was very uncommon. This was partly due to the traditional uses of the works. Commonly, pieces were used for religious and communal purposes.

The various cults of the Yoruba people maintain common aspects in their artworks. The eyes and head are the prominent features when representing the body. This results in many pieces with oversized heads and distinct facial features; pointed chins, large noses and protruding lips.

The Yoruba people number more than seventeen million and are found in Nigeria and the Benin Republic, with a few in Togo. Traces of their culture are found in Brazil and the Caribbean from the time when slaves were moved from Nigeria to the New World.

Yoruba Pieces

This piece resided as a shrine altarpiece to the trickster god known as Eshu Elegba. It is made with wood, trade beads and cowry shells. Carvings of gourds filled with magical substances adorn his traditional hunter’s braid. An Islamic amulet is worn around the neck. In his left hand is a calabash containing a substance called Ogun that can transform people and events. In the right hand is a staff or animal horn used to point out directions and lead those on a journey.

This headdress is from the Egungun festival. This is a masquerade- festival, which involves all art forms, music, singing and dance. There is great variety in the styles of the festival masks; some are quiet and somber, while others are aggressive and threatening. Some masks satirize social behavior or show family relationships.