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.
Kleiner Leopard
an Kette mit Haken
Unbekannte Werkstatt der Bronzegießergilde Igun Eronmwon / Königreich Benin, Nigeria, 18./19. Jh. (?) / Gelbguss / Ankauf von Friedrich Erdmann, 1898, Inv. Nr. C 2310
Es dürfte sich hier um eine Aufhängevorrichtung für eine Öllampe handeln.
Label Text (eng)
Small Leopard on Chain with a Hook
Unidentified workshop of the Bronze Casters Guild Igun Eronmwon / Benin Kingdom, Nigeria, 18th/19th century (?) / Brass / Acquired from Friedrich Erdmann, 1898, Inv. no. C 2310
It is likely this is a hanging device for an oil lamp.