Oba Figure
Bini O Edo (Benin) · Nigeria
Reference: BRN-18
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- Height
- 25 cm
- Material
- Bronze
The art of Benin is associated with royalty. The artistic pieces from Benin are symbols of power intended to extol the divine sovereignty of the Oba.…
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Full original description
The art of Benin is associated with royalty. The artistic pieces from Benin are symbols of power intended to extol the divine sovereignty of the Oba. The Oba is not a divine being but possesses a sacred power coming from divinity. These objects reinforce the sacred power of the king. Most of the objects in Benin were in the royal palaces, in the altars dedicated to the royal ancestors or that had been used in the great official ceremonies.
This is a half-body Oba figure. The side fins on the head allow dating in the century XIX. These fins, formed by rows of pearls, were introduced the year 1816 by the Oba Osemwede. His right hand holds the ceremonial sword "eban" while the left is carried over the belly in sign of peace and harmony. A tunic in the form of a mesh dress, characteristic of the royal outfit, covers all its torso. A six-row necklace of pearls surrounds his neck and three other pectoral necklaces hang from his chest.
This Oba figure belonged to a minister from one of Cameroon's first governments after independence.
Further technical information
- Attributed period
- Century XIX
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.
