Moshood Olúṣọmọ Bámigbóyè
1885-1975
Moshood Olúṣọmọ Bámigbóyè (circa 1885-1975), a renowned Nigerian artist, was one of the most prominent sculptors of his generation. Born around 1885 in the Ìsálù family complex of Kájọlà, in present-day Kwara State, Bámigbóyè lived during a period marked by British colonization formalized in 1900, a time of profound social, religious, and political changes that are reflected in his art.
He is particularly known for his Epa-style masks, which he created during the 1920s and 1930s. These monumental masks are composed of individual figures, reflecting the dynamic life of Nigeria in the early 20th century.
Not only a king, healer, and sculptor, Bámigbóyè sought through his art to create an idealized portrait of the world around him, with a desire to promote peace and health within society. Bámigbóyè is part of an ancient tradition of Yoruba wood sculpture and was part of a vast network of sculptors across Yorùbáland.
His artistic work took on a more academic dimension when he taught sculpture at the school founded by J. D. Clarke in Omu-Aran, located about five miles south of Kajola, between 1933 and 1945. The artist received numerous commissions from European patrons, thereby consolidating his international reputation. In the 1960s, he converted to Islam and adopted the name Moshood.
At the dawn of Nigerian independence in 1960, he was already regarded as one of the greatest living Yoruba sculptors. In his later years, Bámigbóyè occupied an increasingly central place as a political and religious figure, and his family remembers him not only for his talent as a sculptor but also for his generosity and love for the community.
Work and Style
- Materials and Techniques: Bámigbóyè primarily worked with wood, using traditional sculpting tools to create works with refined details. He was known for his skill in carving complex and dynamic patterns.
- Themes: His sculptures often depict human figures, deities, animals, as well as scenes from daily life and Yoruba religious rituals.
- Innovations: He was known for his stylistic innovations, including the introduction of new sculpting techniques and the incorporation of complex narrative themes.
Contributions and Influence
- Cultural Importance: Bámigbóyè's works are considered emblematic examples of Yoruba art. They are often associated with significant ceremonies and religious rituals.
- Students and Followers: Bámigbóyè trained several apprentices, contributing to the transmission of his techniques and style to future generations of Yoruba sculptors.
- Recognition: His sculptures are found in many private and museum collections worldwide, attesting to the international recognition and appreciation of his work.
Notable Works
- Carved Doors and Panels: Like Arowogun, Bámigbóyè is particularly known for his beautifully carved wooden doors and panels, often commissioned for royal palaces and shrines.
- Figurines and Statues: He also created figurines and statues representing deities, local heroes, and scenes of daily life.
Legacy
- Enduring Impact: Bámigbóyè's legacy lives on in contemporary Yoruba art. His works continue to inspire modern sculptors and are studied for their technical excellence and artistic depth.
- Exhibitions and Collections: Bámigbóyè's sculptures are regularly exhibited in African art museums and contemporary art galleries. They are also studied in academic contexts to better understand Yoruba history and culture.
Conclusion
Bámigbóyè is an iconic figure in Yoruba sculpture. His artistic contributions have left a lasting imprint on Nigerian art, and his works continue to captivate and inspire. His skill in sculpting complex and narrative patterns, as well as his role in training a new generation of sculptors, makes him a particularly respected and admired artist of his time.
To deepen your knowledge of Bámigbóyè, it is recommended to consult specialized books on Yoruba art and visit museum collections dedicated to traditional African art.
Below are examples of Ere Ibeji twin figures created by Bámigbóyè himself:
