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.
Benin bronze figure of a chief, No.179 in the sale catalogue where it is described as follows: “A FINE BENIN BRONZE FIGURE OF A CHIEFTAIN in standing attitude, the pupils of the eyes inlaid with iron, reticulated headdress of coral horns at the sides, strands of agate or coral hang at the shoulders, high choker, a reticulated tunic with half sleeves over the usual skirt bound to a point at the left arm, decorated with a deep band of guilloche pattern, he wears an egg-shaped pendant denoting rank, and boots of coral. 11 3/4’’ dark brown patina.
Purchase by the Nigerian Government at a sale by Messrs. Sotheby & co., Bond Street, London, on June 28th, 1955: Mr. J. D. Clarke formerly of the Nigerian Education Department acted for the Nigerian Government: P.V. 9/3/55-56.