african art

Door Panels, Master of Ikerre

In Yoruba culture, important artists such as the Master of Ikerre were commissioned by kings to create large and richly ornamented doors to adorn the entrance to a palace or an important shrine. The high relief carving depicts human and animal forms, from women carrying clay pots or musical instruments to men holding bows, arrows, guns, or flywhisks—and even some riding horseback.

For more information about this artwork, including lesson plans for teachers and their students, visit our Creativity Resource website.

African Art