Ritual head representing an oba for use on a royal altar. This is very similar to a head in the British Museum. The base depicts examples of royal iconography including, leopard, cola nut, a severed cow's head, mudfish and an elephant, represented by a trunk. It is likely to date from c1735-1816.
Ritual objects in the form of bronze heads were used on royal altars, where the Oba (King) offered periodic sacrifices to his ancestors. The altars contained animal figures and groups of human figures in the round and, most important of all, a number of bronze heads. Three types of head were used. Two of them almost life-size, one with a high pointed head-dress presumably representing a female, and the other with close-fitting rounded head-gear, a male. The third type is much larger than life-size and represents the Oba (King). Huge elephant tusks were fitted into the open top of the large heads and were at least partially supported by the vertical wing-like forms of the head. Both the large bronze heads and the tusks were entirely the prerogatives of the Oba. The tusks were completely carved in relief with representations and symbols of the oba in his dual role as King and diety. Dates from the early part of 19th century. "The Sculpture of Africa - Paul S Wingert. P34 Plate 41.
Borrower: Auckland Museum; Start: 1962; Ends: Pre August 2006; Current status: Objects Fully Returned, Loan No. OL2016.1; Borrower: Museum of Old and New Art; Start: 01 September 2016; Ends: 01 June 2017; Current status: Objects Fully Returned, Loan No. 44; Borrower: TheNewDowse; Start: 31 October 1985; Ends: 20 October 1986; Current status: Objects Fully Returned
Casting defect to decorative element to top PR side which is prone to mechanical damage. Stable iron and copper corrosion in crevasses especially to neck, headpiece and upper side of base. Dull patina overall. 4x4mm perforation below ear. 4x4mm perforation to reverse, 125mm below top. Scratches to surface inherent to manufacture. Although dust and dirt was vacuumed from the surface, it is recommed that further cleaned of detailed areas be undertake to further reduce dirt in the crevices and risk of increased corrosion.