20th Century Benin Bronze Oba Memorial Head

Item Details

Court of Benin, Edo, Nigeria
Untitled (Oba memorial head), 20th century
Bronze memorial head
Unsigned

A 20th century Benin bronze memorial head of an Oba (King) by the Edo people (present day Nigeria, Africa). The royal depicted is wearing a crown with a cap of layered beads and clusters of hanging braids. The Oba features striking wide eyes and a regal aesthetic. Also typical are the three cicatrices above each eye.

Condition

- toning and rusting throughout; debris and accretions present throughout; insect detrius present to the inside; bronze has an uneven patina; various sized holes to metal.

Dimensions

Item #

ITMG074441