Armlet of elephant ivory, with damage to cuff, carved with figures in 16th century Portuguese dress, the interspaces filled with animal heads: West Africa, Nigeria, Edo State, Benin, 16 - 17th century
WEST AFRICA. SOUTHERN NIGERIA. BENIN. IVORY. ARMLET of ivory, carved in low relief with four representations alternately inverted and in profile and front, of European men carrying swords, birds and manillas, the interspaces being filled with animal's heads. Benin City, West Africa. (Piece of armlet missing). Wider World Gallery Label Text, 2001: Armlet. Nigeria. Benin. Sixteenth or seventeenth century. Elephant ivory carved with Portuguese figures in sixteenth century dress. Ivory ornaments may only be worn by the oba (king).