Odudua helmet mask; lost-wax cast in brass. In form of human head with central crest; tiered hairstyle and beaded headband. Four raised scarification marks over each eye; pupils inlaid with iron. Teeth bared.
This brass helmet is used in the Ododua ritual, in honour of the father of Oranmiyan, the legendary founder of the ruling dynasty. The dance is performed by seven masqueraders who wear brass helmets and carry ceremonial swords to signify their high status. They dance back and forth before the Oba seven times as a sign of their commitment and loyalty. P. Girshick Ben-Amos, The art of Benin (London, The British Museum Press, 1995)~Read & Dalton 1899: Life-sized model of the head of a nativein brass. The hair is cut in parallel lines, and the brows are encircled by a fillet of coral beads, to which are attached larger beads. On the top is a high crest with three groups of tubes (beads ?), and an openwork border formed of a plaited strip supporting fusiform beads. On either side of the head are four plaits and on each eyebrow four cicatrices. The pupils of the eyes are of iron.
Exhibited: 1970-1973, London, Museum of Mankind, Divine Kingship in Africa 1991 Feb-Apr, Norwich, Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, Man and Metal in Ancient Nigeria