Yoruba beauties

"Playing the Provinces" looks at Benin's impact on its neighbors, including the Ijebu and Owo Yoruba. Owo artists carved pieces that were absolutely amazing. This double ivory bracelect was made of one tusk section, split by the maker into one cylinder inside the other. Openings on the outer cylinder and projections from the inside cylinder interlock so they have remained intact. Rubbing with palm oil gave the ivory a glowing, golden patina.

Installation photo by Lauren Flaschen-Hansen
Object photo by Penn Museum Photo Studio