Ovia Idah
Nigerian sculptor (1903–1968)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Chief Ovia Idah (1903–1968) was a Nigerian sculptor, painter, carpenter, designer, and educator.[2][3][1] He worked in many mediums including in ebony wood, ivory, plastic, as well as terracotta and cement.[4] Idah's was active in Lagos in Lagos State, and Benin City in Edo State,[5] but showed his work internationally. He is also known by the names Igbolovia Ida and Ovidah Ida.[2]
Igbolovia Ida
Ovia Idah | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1903 |
| Died | 1968 (aged 64–65) Nigeria |
| Other names | Ovidah Ida, Igbolovia Ida |
| Occupations | Sculptor, painter, carpenter, designer, educator |
| Movement | Modernism[1] |
Biography
He was raised in a royal palace as a court official (or omada) from age 7 until age 15, where he learned carving skills[6] serving as a page under Oba Eweka II of Benin.
Idah was employed as a carpenter with the Public Works Department in Lagos from 1923 until 1947.[4] He also taught at King's College in Lagos.[4][7] Oba Akenzua II persuaded Idah to lead the Benin Carvers Cooperative in Benin City in 1947.[4]
Idah's sculptures broke from local carving traditions and had their own unique style.[8] He was included as part of the book, "New Currents, Ancient Rivers: Contemporary African Artists in a Generation of Change" (Smithsonian Institution Press, 1992), one of the largest surveys of contemporary African art at the time.[9][1]
