Iyọ́bà (queen mother) figure

The beaded, teardrop-shaped crown adorning this figure identifies her as the iyọ́bà, the title bestowed on the mother of the ọ́bà that designated her as a senior titleholder. She held the privilege of having works in bronze cast for her ancestral altar. In this commemorative portrait, the iyọ́bà's political power is foregrounded through her headdress, beaded collar and anklets, and crossed bandolier—the attire she wore when dispensing titles to chiefs and overseeing court rituals.

Most queen mother castings featured as the focal points of larger ensembles within an ùrhọ̀tọ̀ (altar tableau). Freestanding iyọ́bà figures such as this example are exceedingly rare. Its uniqueness may indicate that it commemorated an especially prominent iyọ́bà who held the title sometime between the late seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. That period spans the reigns of five queen mothers. Of these, Ihasogie (ca. 1713–1735) and Oloi Ohogha II (ca. 1750–1804) were among the most influential. Oral histories recount that Ihasogie commanded both physical and supernatural powers to propel her son, Ákẹ́nzùa I, to the throne. Oloi Ohogha II is recognized as one of the wealthiest iyọ́bà. Her son, Akẹngbẹdo, was responsible for a long and peaceful reign.