18th/19th century, comissioned from the Royal Ivory-sculptors Guild (Igbesanmwan) by the Royal Palace of Benin; by descent to Oba Ovonramwen (Ovonramwen Nogbaisi, b. about 1857 - d. about 1914; r. 1888 - 1897); 1897, looted from the Royal Palace during the British military occupation of Benin by Admiral Harry Rawson (1843-1910); 1897 - 1910, Admiral Harry Rawson; 1910 - at least 1919, heirs Rawson (?); [...]; 1928-1979, Han Coray (collector, Agnuzzo) (Reg. No: EA 1(?)); 1979-1985, Hans Coray (Zürich) (Reg. No.:HC 40); 1985-2001, Hans W. Kopp, Zumikon; 2011, purchased by the Rietberg Museum Zurich with private funds and with support of the Rietberg Circle