Accession Number: 1900.39.9
Institution media
2 images
Institution data
Internal Data (eng)Internal Data (eng)
Pitt Rivers Museum
The data was transferred directly by the institution.
Last Updated: 2021-07-20
Language: English
Accession NumberObject ID
1900.39.9
DescriptionDescription
Small brass mask representing a crocodile's head.
Material / ProcessMaterial
Material of original: Brass Metal; Material of original: Lead Metal
DimensionsDimensions
Height: max 210,00 mm
KeywordsObject Type
Keyword: Ornament; Keyword: Mask
No. of objectsObject Count
1
DatingDate Made
Date made: 1897
Geographical ProvenanceProduction Place
Africa -> Western Africa -> Nigeria, Benin City
PersonsPrior Source
Field collector: Benin City Punitive Expedition, PRM source: Charles G. Kingsley
ProvenancePrior Source, Provenance
Other Owners, Mary Henrietta Kingsley
When CollectedDate Collected
When collected:
Cultural GroupsEthnic Attribution
-> Edo
AcquiredAccession Date
Acquired: 1900
Primary DocumentationNotes
Accession book entry: : 'MISS MARY H. KINGSLEY. The following specimens chiefly collected by the late Miss Kingsley in W. Africa, were bequeathed by her to her brother Charles G. Kingsley, to be transferred to the Museum at his death. Mr. Kingsley generously surrendered his life interest in the specimens and presented them at once to the Museum, September 1900: The following bronzes from Benin city, taken during the punitive expedition under Admiral Rawson, February, 1897.... [One of two] brass and copper relief masquettes, crocodiles' heads, ....[eyes inlaid] with lead.; Card Catalogue entry: : No further information on the catalogue index cards. [CW 14 7 1997]; Written on object: : BENIN CITY. Bequeathed by Miss. M.H. KINGSLEY, 1900 [L.Ph 'DCF 2004-2006 What's Upstairs?' 19/1/2005]
Research NotesNotes
Research Notes: The crocodile is associated with Olokun, god of the waters. It is regarded as the 'policeman of the waters' and is feared for its ferocity and tenacity. It may also be seen as an extension of the power of the Oba, since both the Oba and the crocodile have the right to take human life. Masks like this were symbols of leadership in Benin. They were worn by the Oba and the Edo chiefs and also sent to the Oba's vassal leaders as emblems of their authority. While the Oba and the Edo chiefs wore these masks attached to their belts, often on the left hip, vassal leaders wore them around their necks. [LM]