During the British expeditionto Benin City (Edo) in 1897 objects made of brass, bronze, ivory, coral, and wood were looted by British soldiers from the royal palace, its storerooms, and compounds. Some of these objects were sold or exchanged in West Africa. However, many were brought to the UK where they were retained by soldiers of the expeditionand subsequently inherited by thier families; put up for auction; or donated, lent, or sold to museums. See Collection File: Af1897,-.498-563.
This is a Queen Mother's altar, similar in form to that used by her son the oba (king) to strengthen his own good fortune. A stake driven through the hole in the centre of the altar held a small carved ivory tusk. The body of the casting shows the Queen Mother flanked by her supporters. The Queen Mother had a separate court at Uselu outside Benin City, where female title-holders replaced the male officials of the oba's court.~The possession of an altar of the hand - Ikegobo - was a privilege reserved to personalities of the highest status (Oba, Iyoba, chiefs, smiths, carvers, wealthy traders, warriors, etc).
Exhibited: 1970-1973, London, Museum of Mankind, Divine Kingship in Africa 1991 Feb-Apr, Norwich, Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, Man and Metal in Ancient Nigeria