Veranda post of enthroned king and senior wife (Opo Ogoga)

Veranda post of enthroned king and senior wife (Opo Ogoga). Olowe of Ise (Yoruba peoples). c. 1910–1914 C.E. Wood and pigment.

  • vertical sculpture; structural posts of a palace porch; celebration of king's power; source of power; community
  • exaggerated proportions; while the king is the focal point, his portrayal suggests a ruler's dependence on others.
  • This veranda post is one of four sculpted for the palace at Ikere by the renowned Yoruba artist Olowe of Ise.
  • It is considered among the artist's masterpieces; unique style, interrelationship of figures
  • Olowe was a master of composition; surface ornamentation complements formal properties
  • elaborate hairstyles, decorative patterning on the bodies, waist beads; details don't distract
  • The pattern of the layer of beads around the queen’s wrist is reiterated in the beaded pattern on the crown. 
  • Of the three veranda posts commissioned, this one—the central post of the outer courtyard of the palace of Ise—is the most important and astonishing. 
  • It was the focal point of attention. 
  • the sculptor succeeded in relating them to one another in a hieratic format. In this work a diagonal line intersects the vertical, relating the royal couple to one another.
  • Through these visual associations of line and pattern, Olowe conveyed to the viewer the couple’s intimate relationship.
  • Olowe’s design presents an enthroned king seated in front of a towering female figure—his senior wife. 
  • Several smaller figures stand or kneel at the king’s feet. 
  • The size and strength of the senior wife suggests the importance of women in Yoruba society.
  • wife’s solid body, strong shoulders, columnar neck, and elaborate hairstyle form the architectural support for the post
  • The wife gazes down toward the king while her arms rest protectively on his throne. This gesture echoes the coronation ceremony at which the senior wife stands behind the king and places the crown upon his head, thus conveying that men cannot rule without the support of women.
  • Although he is physically smaller, the king retains important status; he sits on the throne calmly and with authority. 
  • The large, beaded crown is also a vital link to past rulers, who exercise power in the spiritual real; suggests divine power.
  • The bird’s long beak, pointed toward the king, symbolizes the supernatural watchfulness that enables him to protect his people. At the same time, the bird represents powerful older women, female ancestors, and female deities who support the king. 
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