Friedrich Erdmann (1866-presumably 1907) was a merchant from Hamburg and worked as a managing director for the trading company Bey & Zimmer in Lagos, Warri and Sapele in southern Nigeria. Erdmann is known to have visited Benin City after it was conquered by British troops, taking the artefacts that remained there to sell with the permission of the British military, as well as photographing the area. Erdmann was one of the key figures in Bey’s Benin business, selling a total of 13 objects from the Kingdom of Benin to the museum in 1898. His widow, Alma, corresponded with Felix von Luschan (1854–1924) in Berlin, and later sold objects from her husband’s collection. His son Kurt (1901–1964) was an art historian; he also sold pieces from his father’s estate.
Reliefplatte: Portugiese mit Gewehr
Unbekannte Werkstatt der Bronzegießergilde Igun Eronmwon / Königreich Benin, Nigeria, 16./17. Jh. / Gelbguss / Ankauf von Friedrich Erdmann, 1906, Inv. Nr. C 2304
Portugiesische Soldaten sind häufiges Thema der höfischen Kunst, da Benin-Herrscher im
16. Jh. sie an ihren Expansionszügen beteiligten. Importierte Musketen und Kanonen trugen
zu bedeutenden Siegen gegen Nachbarreiche bei, wie jenen entscheidenden gegen Idah um 1515/16. Der dargestellte Soldat trägt eine Uniform und Waffen des frühen 16. Jhs.
Label Text (eng)
Relief Plaque: Portuguese with a Musket
Unidentified workshop of the Bronze Casters Guild Igun Eronmwon / Benin Kingdom, Nigeria, 16th/17th century / Brass / Acquired from Friedrich Erdmann, 1906, Inv. no. C 2304
Portuguese soldiers are a frequent subject in Benin court art, since 16th century Benin rulers involved them in their expansion wars. Imported muskets and cannons contributed to significant victories against neighbouring empires, such as the decisive defeat of Idah around 1515/16. The portrayed soldier is wearing an early 16th century uniform and weapons.