Ori-Olokun

This is the most famous of the Ife bronze heads and it has a chequered history.

It was produced through lost-wax or cire-perdue casting method. The Olokun head was dug up in the late 19th Century in the Olokun Grove. In the past it was used in yearly rites when honouring Olokun, the goddess of the sea and patroness of bead making. Experts have said it probably represents an Ooni and in its original form, probably had nothing to do with Olokun. The Ori-Olokun is associated with wealth.

We see that people, since the times immemorial, have been so conscious about wealth and they make effort to see that their businesses prosper.

Bronze heads found

in a grove (1938)

This terracotta head is exhibited at the Ile-Ife Museum. It is the head of a queen. This object shows elements of royalty, meaning that all through the ages there have been Queens, Olori or Aya Obas, most especially in the western parts of Nigeria. Other states have their own title for king’s wives, e.g. in lgbo the Queen is called Lolo.

Stones

The ‘staff of Oranmiyan’, Opa Oranmiyan, a shaft of granite gneiss more than 5.4 meters in height, (about three times the height of an average man) is studded with spiral headed iron nails along its height. According to Professor Willet, while the significance of the arrangement of nails is no longer known, a hole and engraved lines at the top of the object confirm the object’s phallic identity. This site is a focus of remembrance. It has historical and mythological significance, as the ancestors are remembered by a commemorative object. The granite column of Opa Oranmiyan is believed to be the walking stick of Oranmiyan, one of the sons of Oduduwa. Oranmiyan is said to be the fourth Ooni of Ife, a warrior and founder of the Kingdoms of Oyo and Benin.

Apart from Opa Oranmiyan, there are other stone sculptures called Opa-ase (staff) given to a king when he is crowned. This is regarded as staff of authority. The king in his power can give it to any of his senior chiefs to represent him in a function if he is not able to attend.