Among the Benin-Portuguese ivories is a small number of salt cellars. These highly decorated double-chambered (tripartite) containers may not have been actually used to hold salt but were travellers’ curios which served to commemorate travel rather than serve a utilitarian function.

) identified two main workshops who were responsible for the carving of these salt cellars based on their subject matter and identified two earlier pieces.

The motifs typically include European figures, sometimes shown on horseback. Based on the small number of objects as well as analysis of the weaponry and clothing worn by the figures, Bassani and Fagg (1988, p.161

) have argued that they date to the first half of the sixteenth century. Although the depictions and motifs are very much European, the style and execution of the carving are not. Indeed, it is likely that the Igbesanmwan made these objects, possibly on commission from a European merchant who provided sketches to the carvers (Bassani and Fagg, 1988, p.165

Salt Cellar

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Website

Online Catalogue

National Museums Scotland

Internal Data (eng)

Internal Data I (eng)

Mid-section of carved ivory saltcellar

Wikidata Link

National Museum of Antiquities of Scotland, Edinburgh

Museum

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