Yoruba’s work is defined by its yoruba sensibility — an enduring influence on generations that followed. Most artists are dead; following is a declaration of love.

Twin Figures (Ere Ibeji)
Yoruba Kisi or Old Oyo, Oyo region, Nigeria Coastal West Africa

Tapper (Iroke Ifa)
Yoruba Owo region, Nigeria Coastal West Africa

Crown (Ade)
Yoruba Idowa, Nigeria Coastal West Africa

Mask for Egungun (Ere Egungun)
Yoruba Abeokuta, Nigeria Coastal West Africa

Mask for Egungun (Ere Egungun)
Yoruba Iseyin, Nigeria Coastal West Africa

Jar
Yoruba Osogbo or vicinity, Nigeria Coastal West Africa

Esu Dance Staff (Ogo Elegbara)
Attributed to an unidentified Ketu master (active mid-19th century) Yoruba Nigeria Coastal West Africa

Tunic
Yoruba Odo-Ona Ilorin, Nigeria Coastal West Africa

Headdress for Gelede (Igi)
Yoruba Egbado region, Nigeria Coastal West Africa

Necklace (Odigba Ifa)
Yoruba Nigeria Coastal West Africa

Ceremonial Sword (Ape)
Yoruba Ijebu-Owo quarter, Owo, Nigeria Coastal West Africa

Headdress (Jagún Jagún)
Yòrùbá Ekiti region, Nigeria Coastal West Africa

Tapper (Iroke Ifa)
Yòrùbá Ketu region, Nigeria Coastal West Africa

Altar Stool
Attributed to an unidentified Ketu master (active mid-19th century) Yoruba Nigeria Coastal West Africa

Headdress (Ago Egungun)
Ojerinde (died about 1914) Yoruba Abeokuta, Nigeria Coastal West Africa

Slippers (Bata Ileke)
Yoruba Nigeria Coastal West Africa

Headdress for Efe Gelede
Yoruba Anago region, Nigeria or Republic of Benin Coastal West Africa

Woman's Àdìre Eleso Wrapper
Yoruba Nigeria

Bag (Apo Ileke)
Yoruba Nigeria Coastal West Africa

Dance Staff (Oshe Sango)
Yoruba Yewa region (formerly Egbado), Nigeria Coastal West Africa