| 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. |
