Summary: Head of an Oni, a ruler of Ife in Nigeria, one of medieval Africa's most powerful and wealthy kingdoms. With deeply naturalistic features, it is widely considered as one of the greatest achievements of world art. Neil MacGregor, Director of the British Museum, examines the political, economic and spiritual life of the Yoruba city state that produced it. With contributions from writer Ben Okri and the art historian Babatunde Lawal, who considers its role in traditional tribal life.
