Memorial head, 1550-1650
Edoexpand_more
Bronzeexpand_more
The John R. Van Derlip Fundexpand_more 2007.13
On View in Gallery 250expand_more
Were they true to life, the high collar and netted hat of this royal memorial head would be a brilliant, beautiful red. They were made of coral beads imported from the Mediterranean Sea. And since the Benin king owned all the coral in his kingdom, its use in his outfit signified his far-reaching control of international trade. Each new Oba had a bronze head made to decorate the shrine honoring his deceased predecessor. The hole in the top of the head once held a carved elephant tusk—like the one in the case to your left—chronicling the exploits of the ancestor.
Details
- Title
- Memorial head
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2007.13
- Curator Approved
This record is from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator, so may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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