Treasures of the Kingdom of Benin

ORNAMENTAL MASK

Kingdom of Benin, Nigeria

early 16th century

ivory, iron and cooper, height 25 cm

The British museum, London

This is one of five stylistically similar ivory hip-pendants that were produced specifically for the use of the Oba (king) during the sixteenth century.

They are recorded as being found in a cache in the bedchamber of the Oba in Benin City and were looted during the British expedition of 1897.

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These pedants served as clasps to hold ceremonial gowns in place, or were worn on the hip or breast as further luxurious accessories. The present mask was both an amulet with magical power and a high ranking emblem of the monarchy.

These hip-pendants are thought to represent Queen Mother Idia, the mother of Oba Esigie (c.1504-1550), celebrated as one of the great ‘warrior kings’, who ruled in the sixteenth century. Esigie created the title of Queen Mother in honour of Idia and in gratitude for her efforts in supporting his military campaigns.

The face depicted in strict symmetry, its gaze directed slightly downward with great dignity. The eyes were originally inlaid with cooper as were the two shot bands on the forehead, which, together with the vertical strips adjacent to them, represent typical facial decorations of an Iyoba.

The diadem consists of a row of stylized Portuguese heads (originally 11 in number), with long hair and beards and wearing hats.

The face is framed at the bottom by a coral necklace and a broad plaited band decorated with drillings and metal inlays.

These pendants are widely considered as some of the finest ivory carvings in the Benin corpus. They are also among the most enduring and emotive examples of the representation of women in Benin court art.

Sources of the information:

1. The British museum official website

2. World art Africa. Peter Stepan. 2001