Roughly cast armed bronze figure, bearing a mitre shaped shield and two spears with a bell around the neck. Very similar in style to E 1902.451 and possibly from the same larger piece
Catalogue card reads, in blue ink: "50.271 | AFRICA | Nigeria / Mitred bronze figure , 7 inches high, bearing a shield and spear. / Benin / F.W. Green Bequest."
Red circular sticker on bottom right of catalogue card.
Catalogue card notes: "Mitred bronze figure, 7" high, bearing a shield and spear/ Benin/ F.W. Green Bequest.
Small red circular sticker adhered to card
Given by Frederick William Green, Honorary Keeper of Antiquities at the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge (1908–1949). The majority of 'bronze' items such as these in museum collections were collected on the 1897 Expeditionto Benin. This is likely to be the origin of this work but there is no documentation on Green's acquisition.
The white sale number suggests it was sold by Bicester dealer William Webster at some stage probably between 1898- 1901, but the number has not yet been connected to a specific auction.