| History: |
The Owo site was first excavated in 1969 by Ekpo Eyo in the
contemporary Yoruba town of Owo. Archaeologists have found terracotta
sculptures dating to the 15th century. Owo is situated halfway between the
Nigerian towns of Ife and Benin in southern Nigeria, and so it is not
surprising that Owo art displays characteristics of both traditions. Some
of the Owo objects show similarities to the art of Benin, while others
display characteristics that are unique to Owo. Ife was then declining in
power as Oyo, another Yoruba city situated in the north, was ascending.
Benin in the 15th century was expanding its influence to both the east and
west and must have affected Owo. Owo claims that it was never conquered by
Benin, but there are many elements of Owo culture clearly borrowed from
Benin, such as chieftaincy titles and the royal regalia and crowns. |
