3 Gong Players Plaque
Edo People, Benin City, Nigeria
16th - 17th Century
The Palace of Benin that occupies about half of Benin City, has wooden columns for roof supports. These wooden columns were decorated with the rectangular bronze plaques, many of which depicted life at court in the Benin palace. The holes through these plaques show where they were nailed to the columns. It is usual for the two edges of the plaque to be folded around the rectangular timber roof supports. These plaques are dated from the early 16th century into through the 17th century. Many of the plaques show European traders in the costume of that period, and according to oral tradition, it is after the Portuguese assisted the people of Benin on an expedition against an enemy early in the 16th century, that it was suggested that their success be commemorated in the same way Europeans commemorate such events. The rectangular form of the plaques may be based on the pages in illustrated books of the Europeans, as this form is not usually found in traditional African sculpture.
Private Collection - USA
Benin Warrior
Age: 17th / 18th Century
Provenance: Chief Ogedegbe, the esere of the Benin Kingdom.
The stunning detail and striking naturalistic cire perdue (lost wax casting) brinze figure os a benin warrior king in full, traditional, battle regalia.
The figure is standing at attention with a raised shield decorated in royal motif on the left hand; and on the right hand, a royal implement of status and office.
On a large head, he wears a europan style helmet.
He is depicted with almond shaped eyes, a flat nose and full lips; and the iconic royal high choker of layers of coral beads, spiked neck armor, chest armor. strings of beads adorn his arms, wrists and ankles. his warrior tunic (with crotal bells) is portrayed in stunning detail and accuracy. the liooincloth is randomly patterned in relief with icons of benin royal motif, and held in place with a high arched sash.
Excellently detailed craftsmanship. excellent condition.
Eagar/Johnson Collection - USA
Bird of Prophecy Plaque
Origin: Edo People, Benin City, Nigeria
Age:16th - 17th Century
Materials: Copper, tin, zinc, other metal alloys.
Overall Condition: Very good. Patina of age. A film of the trade mark Benin red earth and grit residue, dust and oxidization of age. Random flash-cooling stress cracks. Otherwise very good condition, considering age.
Dimensions: 20.5 inches (52 cm) tall, 18 inches (46 cm) wide.
Three "Oro" dignitaries holding idiophones topped with the "Bird of Prophecy " finial (ahianmwen-oro) and sometimes called the "messenger of god" (odibosa).
The display and use of these handheld clappers in performances by Benin titleholders are the musical and visual highlights of an annual court festival known as "Ugie Oro".
Igala War Plaque
Origin: Edo peoples, Old Benin Kingdom, Nigeria, West Africa
Materials: Copper, tin, zinc, other metal alloys
Approximate Age: 16th – 17th Century (Middle period)
Overall Condition: Very good. Patina of age. A film of the trade mark Benin red earth and grit residue, dust and oxidization of age. Random flash-cooling stress cracks. Otherwise very good condition, considering age
A bronze plaque presumably depicting Oba Esigie's triumphant return after the astounding success of the Igala war. This plaque is significantly similar to the pair in the British museum (XVIII, 5 and XXIV,3), in which the central subject is identified as Oba Esigie, adorned in almost identical regalia, by Barbara Blackmun (1997b: 68-70).
