Hip pendant of elephant ivory, U-shaped, carved in relief depicting an Oba (King) flanked by two attendants who support him at the elbows in a characteristic pose, the royal triad wear official regalia of deep coral neckbands and patterned kilts, with mudfish below, which refer to the Oba's dual identity as Olokun the water god: West Africa, Nigeria, Edo State, Benin, 18th century
WEST AFRICA. SOUTHERN NIGERIA. BENIN. IVORY. CHEST PENDANT, of carved ivory, figuring an oba fronted by two attendants. NIGERIA, Benin; perhaps eighteenth century. Pectoral. Wider World Gallery Label Text, 2001: Chest Ornament. Nigeria. Benin. Eighteenth century. Elephant ivory carved with the figure of an oba (king) flanked by two attendants. Curator note, 23 June 2011: U-shaped relief pendant of carved elephant ivory depicting a King (Oba) flanked by his two attendants who support him at the elbows in a characteristic pose. The royal triad wear official regalia including deep coral neckbands and patterned kilts. The king is identified by the large bead of Kingship. Below the figures is a mudfish which refer to the Oba's dual identity as Olokun the water god: Africa, West Africa, Nigeria, Benin, 18th century.