„Kopf einer Königin aus Nigeria“
Artikel von Agnes Kwoka-Sprenger
in: RUBENS, Nr. 133,
April 2009
"Der Nok-Reiter"
in: RUBENS, Nr. 110,
November 2006
In 2006 the collection was enlarged with various pieces of African Art, in order to fill a sequential and cultural gap in the art collections of the Ruhr University in Bochum. The collection of African Arts, which is under the patronage of the Ambassador of Nigeria in Germany; S.E. Prof. Tunde Adeniran, includes bronze, stone and clay sculptures of the Nok, Sokoto, Esie, Benin, Ife and Tada. International and, most importantly, African experts are invited to participate in the ongoing co-operation and exchange programs with universities in Nigeria.
In February 2007, the Foundation Situation Kunst, in co-operation with the Ruhr University, organized an international and interdisciplinary Symposium on how to examine the authenticity and estimate the age of, ancient African and Asian art entitled: "Original-Copy-Fake? Examining the Authenticity of Ancient Works of Art".
Rider
Nigeria, Nok, fired clay
Age according to TL- experts approx. 2000 years
Head of a young woman
Nigeria, Ife
Fired clay, Age, according to TL-experts approx. 700 years
Approximately forty bronze-figures from Ife were found showing strong stylistic similarities. There are many more terracotta pieces of the Ife, showing a greater thematic and stylistic variety. Due to difficulties in obtaining metal, Ife bronze casting lost its significance in the 16th century, while work with terracotta continued.
Standing Female figure
Nigeria, Tada
Bronze, Age according to Metallurgic- and Patina-experts: 16th century or earlier, according to TL-experts: 900 years (+/- 150 years).
The figure is one of the so-called Tsoede-Bronzes, which are one of the biggest bronze sculptures found in Africa. According to Nupe oral tradition, Tsoede was the first king of the Nupe. According to legend, in the 16th century he fled the Igala capital city of Idah heading north up the Niger River in a golden canoe filled with different pieces of art where he founded the Nupe Kingdom in newly conquered territory.