Benin style, Nigeria

Plaque with an oba and a varrior. When British forces entered Benin City in 1897 they were surprised to find large quantities of cast brass objects. The technological sophistication and overwhelming naturalism of these pieces contradicted many 19^th-century Western assumptions about Africa in general and Benin – regarded as the home of ‘fetish’ and human sacrifice – in particular. The objects must, it was supposed, have been made by the Portuguese, the Ancient Egyptians, even the lost tribe of Israel. Subsequent research has tended to stress the indigenous origins of West African metallurgy. Yet it was the naturalism that proved decisive. Their status was marked by the establishment of the term ‘Benin bronzes’, despite their being largely of brass. This plaque presents an oba (king) sitting on the horse and a warrior.   

Material:  brass

Size:  H. 8 ½”, W. 5 ½”, D. 1 ½”

Price:   $ 260 + $31 (S&H)            [#N2B9P239]