Provenience undocumented. Mid 16th to 17th century dates based on chronology for Benin bronzes established by William Fagg and Philip Dark identification by Hirshhorn Museum (HMSG).
Description: brass rectangular plaque is attached to rectangular wooden base and mount depicts frontal view of male figure in high relief. Wears conical head gear with chin strap & decorated with raised curvilinear shapes. Has almond-shaped eyes, wide nose, full lips. Wears short-sleeved armor over knee-length skirt. Collar band has jutting attachments. Right arm covered with a shield. Left arm at right angle, holding upright spear, point downward. Long bow (?) Slung over left shoulder. Bare-footed. Background and surface of figure covered with faint decorative patterns made from tiny stamped circles. Has pierced holes along right, top, and left edges for screwing to mount. Condition: right leg is gone from knee down. Rusty veneer.