Royal Bronze Head, Ife Style, Circa 1940, Benin

This rare and unique bronze head in the Ife style, dating from the mid-20th century, draws inspiration from the great sculptural traditions of West African royal arts. Evoking the prestigious effigies of the kingdoms of Ife and Benin, it embodies the symbolic language associated with sovereign authority, lineage, and ancestral commemoration. Created using the refined lost-wax casting technique, it demonstrates remarkable precision and mastery: harmonious proportions, finely worked surfaces, and a majestic presence. Its style recalls the famous Ife heads discovered at the beginning of the 20th century, whose realism and elegance astonished Western experts and were compared to the finest creations of ancient Greece and Rome. Traditionally, bronze heads occupied a central place in sanctuaries dedicated to royal ancestors. They symbolized sovereign dignity, spiritual continuity, and the protective strength of the kingdom, reflecting the sacred role of the Oba—the sovereign guarantor of the people's well-being and harmony. This sculpture, both decorative and rich in cultural significance, is a rare piece crafted with remarkable skill. It will appeal to collectors of African art as well as contemporary interiors seeking powerful works rooted in history. A matching head is also available, allowing for a complete pair. Available individually or as a set.