Head of Queen Mother Iyoba
Bini O Edo (Benin) · Nigeria
Reference: BRN-20
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- Height
- 44 cm
- Material
- Bronze
Head portrait of a queen mother iyoba, realistic style, characterized by the thin cast layer of just 3 mm thick. On the eyes, on the forehead,…
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Full original description
Head portrait of a queen mother iyoba, realistic style, characterized by the thin cast layer of just 3 mm thick. On the eyes, on the forehead, there are three relief scarifications. Its high neck is adorned by a wide necklace of coral pearls. In the century XVI The Oba Esigie instituted the title of "kingdom mother", in honor of his mother Idia, whom he represents, without a doubt, this head, as confirmed by his headdress, called "chicken pico" that high-ranking women continue to use today. This headdress, a species of capirote, is embroidered with semiprecious stones and interlaced corals, as well as the high coral necklace and the front scarifications.
This figure belonged to a minister of one of Cameroon's first governments after independence.
Further technical information
- Attributed period
- Century XVI a XVIII
Details transcribed from the original catalogue; they are not a recent physical inspection.
Country on the map
Nigeria. The country associated with the catalog is shown, not the current location of the piece.
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Attributions, dates and accounts come from the preserved catalogue. They do not constitute certification of authenticity or provenance. An object’s presence on this website does not mean it is available for sale.
