Catalogue card notes: "Tubular bracelet of ivory (an ancient much worn specimen, split and riveted in two places) elaborately carved in relief with six large figures of men, three equestrian (each alternate figure being shown in reversed position) and a row of crouching leopards next to the rope pattern rim."
Tubular bracelet of ivory (an ancient much worn specimen, split and riveted in two places) elaborately carved in relief with six large figures of men, three equestrian (each alternate figure being shown in reversed position) and a row of crouching leopards next to the rope pattern rim.
Given Webster's acquisition of much of the spoils of the Benin West Africa 1897 Expedition and the early date of 1902-3, it is likely his personal donation of Benin material was also collected on the 1897 Punitive Expedition This has therefore been added to the source field with queries to indicate the lack of available data for a definite provenance.
The note created during transcription of the catalogue card in 2001 added that it was unclear if 'Edo is the province or language group, and whether Benin refers to the city of Benin'. The Register noted only 'Benin, West Africa'. As the catalogue card was written before the creation of Edo State in 1991, 'Edo' would have referred to the Edo people and has been removed from the place field.
The narrow term 'Benin' has been used within the museum and more widely to refer to the both Benin City as well as the Kingdom of Benin and both terms have therefore been added to the place field in brackets to show the original provenance e.g., 'Benin [?Kingdom of Benin; ?Benin City].
Used in the 'Discover and Encounter' session as part of the 'Archaeology and heritage of Africa: Building links and capacity through Thurstan Shaw's legacy', Keyser workroom, 8 May 2014.
Catalogue card reads, in blue biro: "1902 E 431 | AFRICA | WEST AFRICA / NIGERIA / Tubular BRACELET of ivory (an ancient much worn specimen, split and rivetted in two places) elaborately carved in relief with six large figures of men, three equestrian (ach alternate figure being shown in reversed position) and a row of crouching leopards next to the rope pattern rim. (5" x 3") / Benin, W. Africa / Mr W.D. Webster | R. 1903 232.|
Red circular sticker in bottom right corner of card.