The stone sculptures of Esie, Kwara State, Nigeria, c. 12th to 15th century.

The stone sculptures of Esie, Kwara State, Nigeria, c. 12th to 15th century. 

The Yoruba Ìgbómìnà town of Esie, in the southwestern quadrant of Nigeria, is home to over 1000 steatite or soapstone sculptures of men, women and animals. One of the largest collections of historical stone sculptures south of the Sahara. They are usually seated or kneeling figures with elaborate headdresses, adorned with bracelets and necklaces, and some figures are seen holding agricultural tools, musical instruments or weapons. Most figures are male, though some of the female figures carry curved blades, possibly indicating political or spiritual power.  

Not much is known about these pieces. They were first discovered by the ancestors of the current inhabitants of Esie in the 18th century when they settled the town, but only gained international attention from 1933 onwards, when they were noticed by H. G. Ramshaw in a local forest grove, still kept in honor by the people of Esie. 

One of the more interesting local traditions states that these figures were once settlers from another part of the Yoruba country who planned a rebellion against the ruler of Esie. As a result, the local god had them turned to stone as punishment. Scholarly and archaeological investigations into the Esie sculptures however contend that they belonged to an earlier, poorly attested Yoruba kingdom in the area. Associated finds have been dated between the 12th and 15th centuries.