Standing figure in cast brass/bronze, representing a 16th century Portuguese musketeer in armour with matchlock and other weaponry: West Africa, Nigeria, Edo State, Benin, 18th century
Benin musketeer figure. Cast brass. 16th / 17th century. Daybook: 18th century Benin sculpture of a Portuguese Musketeer (formerly loan (A.L.500) IL.2000.2). ORF: Date In: July 2002. Object Name: Figure. Object Classification: Figure. Supplementary Information: Yes. Description: Benin sculpture of a Portuguese musketeer. Bronze casting depicting a Portuguese soldier in armour with a musket and other weaponry. Received in lieu of tax. The figure, commonly referred to as a Benin 'bronze', is of brass and according to the expert panel that looked at this item dates to the 18th century (this is contrary to the information the museum had provided which dated the piece as earlier - 16th or 17th century on stylistic grounds). It is likely that this item came into private hands after the sacking of Oba's (King) palace by British troops on the Punitive Expeditionto Benin in 1897. For a detailed discussion of this piece see 'Acceptance in Lieu: Report 2002/03' published by re:source (the council for museums, archives and libraries) p.29. Materials: Brass. Condition: Good. Dimensions: H. 385 mm. Place: Africa, West Africa, Nigeria, Benin. Date Made: 18th century. Associated Name(s): The previous owner lent this item anonymously to the museum for fifteen years. Associated Places (s): Edinburgh. Date: 10 September 2003. Wider World Gallery Label Text, 2001: Portuguese Musketeer. Nigeria. Benin. Sixteenth or seventeenth century. Cast brass figure of an armed Portuguese soldier wearing sixteenth century European dress and aiming a matchlock. He carries a sword and a dagger, and at his feet lie a spear and a crossbow. The Portuguese first made contact with Benin towards the end of the fifteenth century, and sixteenth century Portuguese soldiers, sailors and traders were often depicted by Bini craftsmen. Benin figurative art is characteristically frontal and static, but the few musketeer figures known are remarkable for demonstrating movement.