Okpia is the Edo word for ‘male’. All figures which can be identified as male have been grouped here. The regalia and dress vary, and more research may enable the identification of the specific identities of these figures.
Men are much more commonly depicted in the arts of the Benin royal court than women. Such sculptures are cast in brass or are carved from ivory and wood.
Bronze figure of a man holding an Ada sword from Benin. The bronze was sold at Sotheby's Auction Rooms on 26th June, 1952. It was described in the catalogue as "A Fine Benin standing bronze Figure of an Executioner wearing high coral choker with tooth border, short pleated skirt and unusual bell-shaped leaf helmet surmounted by a finial, holding in his right hand an executioner's sword, 19" rare model." It is considered by Mr. W.B. Fagg (British Museum) to be in the same style as the bronzes from Udo in the Benin N. A. Museum.
Purchased by the Nigerian Government from Messrs. J.J. Klejman Gallery, New York. Indent 35: P.V. 5/19/53-54.