Veranda Post of Enthroned King and Senior Wife (Opo Ogoga)

This veranda post is one of four sculpted for the palace at Ikere by the renowned Yoruba artist Olowe of Ise. It is considered among the artist’s masterpieces for the way it embodies his unique style, including the interrelationship of figures, their exaggerated proportions, and the open space between them. While the king is the focal point, his portrayal suggests a ruler’s dependence on others. The stately female figure behind the king represents his senior wife. Her large scale and pose, with hands on the king’s throne, underscore her importance. She had the critical role of placing the power-invested crown on the king’s head during his coronation. Moreover, the senior wife used political acumen and spiritual knowledge to protect the king’s interests during his reign. The small figures at the king’s feet represent a junior wife, the flute-playing trickster-god Esu, and a fan bearer, now missing.