african art

Housepost, Olowe Ise

A virtuoso carver, Olowe Ise was known for his technically daring high-relief style and energetic compositions. Kings and wealthy patrons commissioned him to create veranda posts and doors to add beauty and prestige to their homes. The post seen here stands over five feet tall and depicts a warrior seated on a horse, supported by two women and two men.

The warrior is deliberately carved to be larger than his horse to indicate his prominence. The placement of male and female figures beneath and supporting the warrior indicates the sharing of power between the genders that forms the foundation of Yoruba society.

American Indian Art