…but what is this greeting or salute shown here called? Do women do this touching ground traditionally? When does a male do this versus idobale? What does idobale translate to? Do men idobale in the shrines? Any answers are appreciated!
Long before Nigeria had formal art schools, Aina Onabolu (born in 1882) was already painting portraits with a level of realism that defied colonial stereotypes. A self-taught artist, he took on the widely held European belief that Africans lacked the skill to master “fine” or academic art. By the early 1900s, Onabolu was painting distinguished Nigerians—such as judges, doctors, and merchants—with remarkable technical detail. He later studied art formally in London and Paris, equipping himself with international credentials that helped ...