Abstract: The wealth of the Old Oyo Empire apparently provided good platform for art and craft to thrive in the metropolis. However, at the collapse of Oyo in early eighteen century, and the subsequent relocation of the capital to the present Oyo, art practice amongst other traditions in the town suffered a great decline, For

The Oyo Empire was a Yoruba empire in West Africa. It was located in present-day southern Benin and western Nigeria (including the South West zone and the western half of the North Central zone).

However the good quality of Oyo art can be articulated, based on the little evidence gleaned from the remains of the Old Oyo, the oral historical account on the proficiency in art and preponderant use, and the continual art practice in the modern Oyo.

Apr 30, 2021 · A carved wooden male figure with headdress from the Oyo Empire (17-19th century CE) in what is today southern Nigeria. Height: 28.5 cm. (British Museum, London)

May 23, 2024 · Yoruba art, particularly sculpture and beadwork, reached new heights during the Oyo Empire. Artists created elaborate carvings and bronze sculptures depicting deities, royalty, and everyday life, showcasing the empire’s rich artistic heritage.

Architectural sculpture such as ornately carved wood doors and veranda posts, as well as equestrian warriors representing Ogun, the Yoruba deity of war and ironsmithing, are important aspects of Oyo art. Oyo Yoruba colonization along the empire’s frontiers and the practice of holding political hostages from client states, such as Dahomey, at ...

Old Oyo became the capital of a very powerful and extensive cavalry based empire. Another view of the kobi, this time at the new Oyo, which replaced the Old Oyo (Oyo-Ile or Katunga).

Jun 16, 2020 · The kingdom of Oyo, also known as the Oyo Empire, is a West African monarchy, that at its peak, covered 270,000 square kilometres (1). It stretched from parts of the Republic of Benin in the west to the southwest of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the east.

Sep 8, 2024 · Visitors to Alaafin’s Palace are often struck by the stunning artistry that adorns the palace walls, from the elaborate carvings and murals depicting historical events to the rich tapestries and artefacts telling the story of the Oyo people.

Ogun is the god of iron and its multitudinous uses. In this essay we intend to introduce the history of iron and explain Its role in state building along the Guinea Coast. Then we shall turn to the sacralization and deification of iron and its representation in the visual arts of these kingdoms.