Plankensteiner 2007: In customary belief, the rhythmic sound of a hand-held metal gong can heal illness, when struck gently with a rod. However, gongs of iron or bronze differ in their functions, since the qualities of each material differ. Iron is hard and strong, while copper alloys are softer but more lasting. A few of these instruments include the cup of a smaller gong attached at the front to produce an additional tone, and this type is called a double bell. Objects carved from ivory are restricted to the royal family and to certain favoured associates. Ivory is highly valued for many reasons. It is as white as Olokun's sacred kaolin clay, 'orhue', which brings purity and peace to anything it touches. Ivory is also difficult to obtain, beautiful, and luxurious. Six early ivory double bells survive, and four of these are carved with nearly identical power-engendering images. This intricate ivory is one of to especially fragile examples that are completely intact (the other is in the Lagos Museum of Nigeria). These 16th century bells are the precursors of a lovely ivory instrument used today by the Oba of Benin, during the rite called Ugie Emobo. The ritual occurs after the annual palace ceremonies that culminate in Igue and Ugie Erha Oba. During the annual ceremonies, the Oba's palace is open to all varieties of spirits, who are invited to partake of sacrifices offered to sustain their vigour. When the ceremonial festival is over, these visiting spirits are asked to leave Benin, and to move to the community of Udo, where similar ceremonies are about to begin. In the Emobo ritual, the Oba wears his most majestic beaded crown and accoutrements as he emerges from his palace grounds. Accompanied by musicians and retainers, he moves in a stately manner, tapping gently on the ivory double bell. His rhythmic tapping of the ivory is intended to calm and dismiss unruly spirits who are reluctant to depart. The carved images on these ivory bells are apotropaic, forcing disgruntled supernatural beings to distance themselves from Benin.
Exhibitions Loans and Displays - Current and Pastexhibition history Exhibited: 1970-1973, London, Museum of Mankind, Divine Kingship in Africa 1995-1996, London, Royal Academy, Africa: The Art of a Continent 2007 May-Sept, Vienna, Museum für Völkerkunde, Benin. Kings and Rituals: Court Arts from Nigeria 2007-2008 Oct-Jan, Paris, Musée du quai Branly, Benin. Kings and Rituals: Court Arts from Nigeria 2008 Feb-May, Berlin, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, Ethnologisches Museum, Benin. Kings and Rituals: Court Arts from Nigeria 2008 Jun-Sept, Chicago, The Art Institute of Chicago, Benin. Kings and Rituals: Court Arts from Nigeria