IYOBA A selfportrait Going back to the days of the Benin culture, Ivie which is translated to Jewel (Precious Coral Bead), is a traditional bead worn by the Oba of Benin. He wears it as a pendant around his neck or around his head or wrists. In the ancient Benin Kingdom around the 16th century, The Benin ivory mask were created. The mask is a miniature sculptural portrait in ivory of Idia, the first lyoba (Queen Mother) of the 16th century Benin Empire. The masks were created to signify/symbolize role/ strength of the mother of the Oba of Benin. The OBA made the masks to signify the importance of who his mother was to him. She was a powerful woman who provided critical assistance to her son. This piece is majorly focused on the Mask itself! It signifies the woman, the Kings mother whose duty is to raise the Oba of Benin and make sure and prepare him to rule the kingdom. It is to honor the woman that raised us and stood by us and having a big role in our endless life's mission.