Ife

Technique: lost wax

The kingdom of Ife first emerged around AD 800. It was one of several competing West African kingdoms that developed during the medieval period. According to the oral traditions of the Yoruba people, Ife is the place where life and civilisation began. Ife is regarded as the legendary homeland of the Yoruba-speaking peoples and its sacred ruler, the Ooni, is still revered as the descendant of the original creator gods. Ife is located in Osun State in modern south-western Nigeria.