In the spring of 2011 The Virginia Museum of Fine Art gave an exhibition of African Art called Dynasty and Divinity Ife Art in Ancient Nigeria. In that exhibit were many terra cotta and brass heads, one in particular of Obalufon II in pure copper, a technical feat because copper is extremely difficult to work with, and an artistic achievement because of the highly stylized, spiritual gaze of the face. Obalufon was a king of Ife who united the kingdom and brought the city state from turmoil to peace and prosperity and elevated its stature for all time. He became a deity after his death. In trying to learn more about him I came across a work of poetry about the myths of creation and man that has been long out of print, 'Myths of Ife' by John Wyndham. This is chapter one of six. The Yoruban Tribe has an oral tradition, so there are different versions of its history. I have tried to be respectful.
Myths of Ife by John Wyndham
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