Yoruba Head & Olmec Head (Comparison)

 

Yoruba (Ife), Head (possibly a king), 12-14th c. 

    This sculpture represents the culture of the Yoruba people who resided in the southwest region of Nigeria. Most of the art from this culture represents anything that may be considered royalty. These sculptures of heads were produced during the twelfth through to the fifteenth century. "Sculpted heads were buried in the ground at the foot of giant trees and resurrected when they were used ritually as offerings or sacrifices, sometimes an annual basis" (Kimbell Art Museum). When considering the head above, it isn't really known who it may represent, but it is speculated to be the head of the king Oni. 

Olmec, Colossal Head, La Venta Monument 1,
 900-400 BCE

This stone head comes from the Olmec civilization whom lived from approximately 1200 to 1400 B.C. on the Gulf Coast of Mexico. They were known for their creation of these massive sculpted heads carved out of giant basalt boulders. The front side of the stone is mainly where the action is since the Olmec did not have great tools for sculpting. These giant stone heads don't have a whole lot of context behind them other than several theories from different scholars. One theory surrounding these sculptures is that they are the faces of Gods, but this idea was later discredited because of the humanlike features of the face. It has been more recently assumed that these faces are the those of rulers because of the distinct traits some have. 

Comparing the two pieces above it is clear to see that they both come from two separate cultures and regions. They each have their own specific art style that differs from one another that is also pretty fascinating. As far as religious and political power it seems like they both are assumed to be sculpted for royalty or a specific ruler. Both civilizations have different Gods that they worship as well, which both sculptures are most likely linked to. Each figure communicates how each culture viewed their rulers or people of royalty. The audience these pieces were most likely directed to were either their Gods that they worshipped or for the people in a lower class. 

https://www.kimbellart.org/collection/ap-199404

https://www.thoughtco.com/the-colossal-heads-of-the-olmec-2136318