Olowe of Ise
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Olowe of Ise (c. 1873-1938) was a Yoruba sculptor from the city of Ise in present-day Nigeria, considered one of the greatest African carvers of the 20th century. He worked as an itinerant master carver for Yoruba kings and chiefs, creating elaborately carved doors, veranda posts, and architectural elements for palaces across the Ekiti region.
Olowe's style is immediately recognizable: tall, elongated figures with intricate hairstyles, dramatic facial scarification, and bold, asymmetrical compositions. His palace door for the King of Ikere-Ekiti (now at the British Museum) is among the most celebrated works of African art. Unlike most traditional African sculptors, Olowe's individual name and identity are well documented.
Sculptures by Olowe of Ise
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About Olowe of Ise
Olowe created monumental carved doors and veranda posts for Yoruba palaces. His elongated, dynamic figures with intricate detail are among the most celebrated works of 20th-century African sculpture.
His palace door is at the British Museum in London. Works also appear at the National Museum in Lagos and the New Orleans Museum of Art.
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