Catalogue card notes: "A head (larger than life) of a nativenoble showing the tribalmark scars of the Bini, wearing a helmet and various ornaments. [...] Fine bronze casting by the 'cire perdue' process at the end of the XVI century. Benin City."
A copper alloy head of an Oba.
A head of a nativenoble showing the tribalmark scars of the Bini, wearing a helmet and various ornaments.
Extremely heavy, take care when handling.
Webster, W.D. (1899) Illustrated Catalogue of Ethnological Specimens. European and Eastern Arms and Armour. Prehistoric and Other Curiosities, Vol. 3, No. 18.
Illustrated on unnumbered plate, plate, figs. 52-64. No. 63 63. (6365) Do. Mask, 18 inches high (Benin). £35.0.0.
In January 2017, Prof. Marcos Martinon-Torres and Agnese Benzonelli, UCL Institute of Archaeology, tested this item using a portable XRF as part of a programme of base metal analysis of Benin material. This object was tested twice and the results are as follows: 1) Cu: 69.73%; Zn: 27.55%; Sn: 0.03%; Pb; 2.21%. 2) Cu: 68.74%; Zn: 28.59%; Sn: 0.02%; Pb: 2.22%. It was noted as Dark 5, Willett 5. It is dated as post 1700 according to chemistry but post 1800 according to Dark.
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Archaeology
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F.J.H. Jenkinson M.A.
Annual Report notes that this item 'was purchased with Mr Jenkinson's donation to the Accessions fund.'
Accession Register reads "B. Webster (Jenkinson) £35 See Webster Cat. No's 18. [No. 21 crossed out]"
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Purchased from W. D Webster in 1900 with money donated to the Museum's Accession Fund by Francis John Henry Jenkinson (1853-1923), University Librarian from 1889
See Webster Catalogue Number 18
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Catalogue card reads, in blue biro: "1900 E. 98 (2) | AFRICA | WEST AFRICA / NIGERIA / A HEAD (larger than life) of a nativenoble showing the tribalmark scars of the Bini, wearing a helmet and various ornaments. Height 15"8. Fine bronze casting by the 'cire perdue' process of the end of the XVI century / Benin City / F.J.H. Jenkinson | R1901. 495a"
Red circular sticker in bottom right corner of card.