Commemorative head of an Oba (King), of cast brass/bronze, hollow with large opening in the top, decorated with elaborate winged headdress and coral beads on a base decorated with royal symbols of leopards and mudfish: West Africa, Nigeria, Edo State, Benin, 19th century
WEST AFRICA. SOUTHERN NIGERIA. BENIN. BRONZES. HUMAN HEAD PEDESTAL, bronze, with a circular hole in the crown and a cap of beadwork from which projects two horn-like forms over the face. A high bead collar covers the chin. Cicatrices on eyebrow and pupils of eyes in iron. Obtained after the capture of Benin City in February 1897. S. Nigeria, Midwestern State. Wider World Gallery Label Text, 1997: Memorial Head. Nigeria, Benin. Nineteenth century. Cast brass head wearing coral beads. The elaborate winged head-dress is traditionally said to have been introduced into the royal regalia by Oba Osemwede in the early nineteenth century. (See the regalia of coral beads as worn by Oba Akenzua II in the adjacent photograph). The flanged base is decorated with royal symbols, including leopards, mudfish and the heads of sacrificial animals.
Artistic Legacies, 2011-07-29 - present, National Museums Scotland, National Museum of Scotland || Treasured: Wonderful Things, Amazing Stories, 2008-11-14 - 2011-01-01, National Museums of Scotland, National Museum of Scotland || Art UK Sculpture (online aggregator ArtUK)