Born in Benin City in 1934, Emokpae is regarded as one of the pioneers of modern arts in Nigeria. His institutional Studies was at the Yaba trade Centre (now Yaba College of Technology). He later went to England in 1963 to study art. He is regarded as a sculptor, muralist, graphic artist and painter. Famous among his works is a replica of the Benin ivory Mask (the official emblem of Festac 77) which he produced for the festival. His depiction of Queen Amina is also a notable painting which is famous as well.In this untilted piece, he depicts a highly stylized face with two similar faces on each side. The smooth finish of the sculpture alludes to the expert skill of the artist. The lips have been reduced to a thin line while the eyes have been reduced to slits in the center of an oval shape. The smaller faces on the sides seem to be a representation of children. One would guess the sculpture is a depiction of a mother (who is content) carrying her two children.