Head of an Ife King from Nigeria

Synopsis

An 800-year-old brass head with a beaded crown and plume is one of the most famous objects in the British Museum’s African collections. Incredibly naturalistic, it is a masterpiece that has helped to change European assumptions about the arts of Africa. But who is the portrait of? By whom was it made? What is the significance of the elaborate headdress and the markings on the face? What function did this sculpture serve? In this film a group of experts interprets the evidence and seeks to bring this hauntingly beautiful face to life.

Series

Masterpieces of the British Museum, Series

Language

English

Country

Great Britain

Year of release

2006

Year of production

1996

Notes

Broadcast on the BBC in 1996

Subjects

Anthropology; Archaeology; Art

Keywords

Nigeria; sculpture; historical artefacts; African culture

Distribution Formats

Type

DVD

Format

Region 2 PAL

Price

£12.99

Availability

Sale

Duration/Size

30 minutes

Year

2006

Production Company

Name

Fulmar Television and Film

Phone

029 204 55000

Sponsor

Name

BBC Television

Distributor

Name

Quantum Leap

Notes

The company ceased trading in 2018. It was previously a distributor and online retailer specialising in non-fiction DVD titles on a wide variety of subjects, particularly in the areas of music instruction, music performance, sport instruction, and health. Some titles also available through retail outlets.

 

Available from retail outlets

Online Retailer

Name

British Museum Store

Web

http://www.britishmuseumshoponline.org/icat/shoponline External site opens in new window