Ikoro are big wrist bands made from different materials like brass, ivory and wood. They are worn by the Ọba and chiefs during ceremonies when dressed in their full regalia. They could be made by different guilds depending on the material used – the Igun Eronmwon would make them out of brass and bronze while the Igbesamwan would produce ivory and wood Ikoro.
One of a pair of ivory armlets from Benin. No. 182 in the Sale Catalogue where it is described as follows: "A PAIR OF BENIN IVORY ARMLETS made from the same tusk, of cylindrical slightly curved form, carved in four zones with stylised animal heads, the ivory of dark reddish-brown tone, 5 1/2 ins." Pair with No. 53.22.17.
Purchases by the Nigerian government at a sale by Messrs. Sotheby & co. Bond Street, London on December 7th, 1953: Mr. W. B. Fagg, assistant keeper, British Museum, acted for the Nigerian government and the state.