Ọba
Description
Figures of the Ọba, which is the title of the ruler of the Kingdom of Benin, would be used on ancestral altars within the royal palace. These are only cast in brass and carved in ivory, which illustrates their importance, as these two materials are considered highly valuable in the kingdom. Although depictions of the Ọba are common in Benin royal artworks, particularly on relief plaques, pendant... Read more
Figures of the Ọba, which is the title of the ruler of the Kingdom of Benin, would be used on ancestral altars within the royal palace. These are only cast in brass and carved in ivory, which illustrates their importance, as these two materials are considered highly valuable in the kingdom.
Although depictions of the Ọba are common in Benin royal artworks, particularly on relief plaques, pendant masks and pendant plaques, there are few single figures of the Ọba. The figures identified as the Ọba show a figure richly dressed with coral beads, particularly the high Odigba coral-bead collar. Oftentimes he wears a headdress with a single upwards projection from the crown.
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7 objects
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