Extremely well-preserved, well-maintained bust, cast around 1440. The patina has developed evenly and shows no signs of wear. Surprisingly for its age, the bust has no damage whatsoever, which is why it is considered one of the most important works of South Nigerian casting culture.

From an art-historical perspective, the repetition of the idealised motif, which continues to the present day, is also interesting. An example from the 19th century can be seen on the previous page, which the gallery showed in an exhibition in Berlin in 2007. The age differences revealed by laboratory tests are an indication that much remains unexplored. Even back then, gallery employee Dorina Hecht, who wrote the text at the time, referred to the 14th century, when, according to her research, this motif first appeared.

The acquisition of this bust can therefore be considered a stroke of luck. Traditional symbols of dignity, such as the ram's horn in the left hand and the sceptre with a clenched fist in the right hand, were passed down through dynasties and can be compared, for example, to the apple in Western European monarchies.

The crown with coral hoops and elaborate rosette, pearl necklaces and the jewellery on the chest of this figure are also considered signs of hierarchical dignity and indicate an important personality from Ife.