King and queen’s heads

These bronze statues represent the Ife heads, thought to be a portrait of a ruler, during the Yoruba civilization. The female head could also represent queen Idia, mother of Esigie, who played a major role in the rise and reign of her son, she was described as a great warrior who fought during her son’s reign. She was considered the first queen mother of Benin (Iyoba). Kings and Gods were often depicted with large heads because the artists believed that the inner power and energy of a person was held in the head.