Accession Number2005/1.260
TitleCommemorative Head
Artist(s)Edo (Benin);
Benin (ancient Nigerian)Artist NationalityEdo (African culture)Object Creation Date19th Century Medium & SupportbrassDimensions 19 1/2 in x 10 7/16 in x 11 5/16 in (49.53 cm x 26.51 cm x 28.73 cm)
Credit LineGift of Candis and Helmut SternSubject matterAlthough this commemorative head represents an
oba, a ruler of the past kingdom of Benin (today's Edo state in Nigeria), it is not an image of a specific king. Rather, these heads refer to previous Benin rulers in a generic way by depicting the attire associated with the
oba. The regalia worn by rulers of Benin changed throughout the kingdom's history, which has allowed scholars to roughly date the heads based on their level of adornment. The high collar, elaborate headgear, and heavy use of brass possibly date this commemorative head to the 19th century. These heads were (and still are) displayed on altars within the royal palace to pay homage to the ancestors of the
oba, a physical connection between the current ruler and previous
obas. The opening in the top of the head would have held a carved elephant tusk, again reflecting the wealth and power of the king as only royalty and high-ranking chiefs had access to objects made of precious ivory. The head holds the fate of an individual in Benin spirituality. The
oba's head also holds the fate of the entire kingdom, so it had to be cared for and properly honored.
References Cited:
Ben-Amos, Paula Girshick. 1995.
The Art of Benin. Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution Press.
Ezra, Kate. 1992.
Royal Art of Benin: The Perls Collection in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. New York: Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Physical DescriptionCast brass head of a human. A beaded collar covers the neck and chin, while the top of the head is decorated with a beaded cap, small clusters of what may be flowers, and 'wings' that rise from either side of the head and almost meet by the mouth. There is an opening at the top of the head as well.
Primary Object Classification Metalwork Primary Object TypeheadCollection AreaAfricanRightsIf you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit
http://umma.umich.edu/request-image for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form.
Keywords
ancestor figures
ancestors
commemorative sculpture
king
power
royalty (nobility)
shrines (structures)