Purchased by Mr Stow on behalf of the Wellcome Historical Medical Museum at a Mssrs. Foster (Edward Foster & Sons) auction on 28 September 1933, lot 103.
Pendant mask; hip ornament; lost-wax cast in brass. In form of elongated human face depicted with tiered headdress or hairstyle. Three scarification marks above each eye; irises inlaid with iron nails. Collar has concentric circle motifs and small loops for crotals. Two loops at back for suspension.
Such hip ornaments are commissioned and worn by senior members of the men's associations based in the Oba's palace in Benin City. They are worn tied over a sash on the left hip.