[2017 reinstallation label text; with 73.8.15]
Both of the objects in this case are used to make a sound and demonstrate a type of spiritual power. The bell would have been placed on an altar. Its ringing calls ancestral spirits to the space to hear the prayers of supplicants and take part in the offerings.
The clapper is surmounted by a form called bird of prophecy, which references a bird that brings bad omens. According to oral history, this form originated in the sixteenth century, when the bird appeared to an oba foretelling defeat in an upcoming battle. The oba counteracted the formidable omen and won. The playing of these clappers in the Ugie Oro festival refers to the oba’s ability to assert spiritual and physical power.
[previous label text]
A Benin clapper is played by striking the bird on its beak with a metal rod. Typically, the bird has a long curved beak in which it grasps a round pellet, perhaps of medicine or magical substances. According to oral tradition, such clappers were first made during the reign of an oba (king) named Esigie in the early 16th century to commemorate his defeat of a powerful enemy. As the king was setting out with his warriors, they encountered the "bird of prophecy," whose cry portends disaster. Undeterred, the king ordered the bird to be killed and his army went on to a great victory. Thereafter, Esigie commissioned his royal metalcasters to create clappers surmounted by the "bird of prophecy." He decreed that his chiefs should sound them at court ceremonies to celebrate the oba's divine nature, which enables him to protect his people.
Created in the Kingdom of Benin (present-day Nigeria), 19th century; probably looted by British officer or soldier during Raid on Benin City (Feb. 9-18, 1897); acquired by James G. Hanes before 1972; gifted to the NCMA, 1972
This object was loaned to the NCMA in October 1967 as part of the NC Collects exhibition and catalogue, and was #97. The original loan catalogue card is in the paper files in the African department.
(A. Maples, 10/30/2018)
The bird that surmounts this clapper is very reminiscent of the birds that surmounted the roofs/architecture of Benin City, thus providing a wonderful opportunity to talk about the importance of iconography in visual arts, inclusive of architecture, and the relationship of birds to kings. It also opens up the ability to discuss the sacking of the city during the British Punitive Expedition
(A. Maples, 2/4/2020)
Opinions:
Silberman; Stolper; DED; Sieber 1/80 (1)
Mark, 1986
Allen Wardwell, 2/8/84: African, Benin Staff head. All right; quite good. Can display (2). Some people might call it a (1)
Raleigh, NC, North Carolina Museum of Art, "North Carolina Collects," October 10-29, 1967, cat. no. 97, illus. (b-w).
Greensboro, NC, Weatherspoon Art Gallery, September 9-30, 1973.
"Acquisitions," North Carolina Museum of Art Bulletin 12, nos. 1 and 2 (December 1973), group of objects on long-term loan listed 68.
North Carolina Collects (exhibition catalogue) (Raleigh: North Carolina Museum of Art, 1967), cat. no. 97, illus. (b-w).
Accountability
Curator Approved
Filename
72_19_43.JPG
Media
Public Access
SourceName
North Carolina Museum of Art
SourceNumber
GL.72.19.43
Title Sort
Handheld Clapper with Bird of Prophecy (ahianmwen-oro)