Woman in Veil

Born 1931 in Agbor, Delta state Benson G. Osawe was a post-war contemporary drawer and sculptor who was prominent in the use of different media including wood, cement and bronze. He was a native of Benin City. His father was a carver at the royal court of the then Oba of Benin Kingdom, Oba Eweka II. This sparked his early enthusiasm and interest in sculpting as a child. Under the tutelage of his father, he gained his first informal exposure to this age old artistic technique that was symbolic in the art tradition of his hometown. He went on to study at the School of Graphic Art, London (1956-59) and the Camberwell School of Art and Crafts, London (1960-65), specializing in sculpture. He returned to Nigeria in 1965 after his studies in the UK and shared a studio with Felix Idubor in Lagos. He eventually settled in his hometown where he practiced as a freelance artist from 1976. In the course of his illustrious career, Ben created numerous sculptures in bronze and wood, many of them exploring themes of African women and the African heritage and ideals. His works were widely exhibited at home and abroad.

Done in 1978 in Benin, the Woman in Veil is classic from Ben who loved casting images of women. It shows a young girl dressed in a robe covering her head and body down to the level of her loins. In trying to put a name to the veil, the Islamic Hijab first comes to mind at the sight of this beauty. Her hidden arms seem to be folded (under the veil) around her chest as shown by the slight bulge in that region of her body. One can tell she is very young judging from her countenance and outlook in general.