Benin Head of Prince, Edo Peoples, British Benin

Bronze (brass) head bust, hollow cast. Well formed and executed casting of a youthful, well- nourished male. The hair is in fact a beaded crown that is cut to the temples across the forehead, then dips once to the level of the ears. It is comprised of six bands of overlapping beadwork in the rear, and three bands at the front. The apex of the head is missing, to allow the introduction of a tusk. The forehead is prominent and decorated with a central double scar. The eyes are unobscured, large pointed ovals distinct peripheral rims and distinct irises that were originally inlaid with iron. The nose is long and elegant, with a broad trilobate end. The lips are fine, yet full and well- formed with a naturalistic fovea above the top lip. The rounded chin hints at the prosperity that the dead prince doubtless enjoyed through his life. The ears are portrayed as delicate swirls in a faintly molluscan format, and the entire head sits upon a series of fine, sectorial neck rings that do not extend up onto the face. Rectangular opening on the neck back; bust resting on fluted design collar.

Brass or bronze Oba heads were used to honour the memory of a deceased king. Typically, the son of the dead king – the new Oba – would pay tribute to his father by erecting an altar in his memory. These altars, low platforms of mud that were arrayed around the perimeter of the royal courtyards, were decorated with various artefacts alluding to the Oba’s achievements in life. These heads were typically arranged in pairs, each supporting an elephant’s tusk that was inserted through the hole in the top of the head. Further decorations included spears, statues, cast brass altars depicting the Oba and his followers, brass bells to awaken the spirits, rattle-staffs (ukhurhe) and magical objects that included Neolithic celts (known as “thunder stones”). The new king would pay homage to his father in this way, guaranteeing the succession and demonstrating the continuity of divine kingship.

Condition: Good, as is.