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Benin Related Carved Plaques
Circa 1880 - 1930
The Kingdom of Benin had a long history of peaceful relations with
European nations. Many early Portuguese, Dutch and British visitors
expressed admiration the civilization.
Then in 1897, the British
launched a "Punitive Expedition" to attack Benin City.
Click thumbnails to enlarge.
This example measures 35
x 36 cms, or 13.8 x 14.2 inches.
The British
deposed of the Oba of Benin, looted the collection of unique art works in Bronze
and ivory that had adorned the palace, then burned it to the ground.
Many of the military
officers kept private collections of objects, whilst the foreign office
auctioned off considerable quantities to offset the cost of the
adventure. Such objects found their way into American and European museum
collection.
The premier collection of
Benin art treasures is today held at the Museum of
Mankind in London.
Our plaques are both fascinating
and delicious! They acquired a deep
rich patina which
suggests 19th century origin. In all likelihood, they are the top
portions of Agba stools, made for the royal palace.
Omada carvers
were making prestige objects which included rectangular wood cola nut
boxes, stools, tables, chairs, beams and door panels, prior to the
19th century. Animals were symbols of deities or cults. Some represent the power of
the Oba (King). The objects from Benin in the Museum of Mankind feature images
of fish, snakes, leopards, and crocodiles. These creatures are not only found on
wooden panels, but appear on bracelets and other objects.
Were these two gems
made by Omada carvers? Specialists discussed this and suggest the chap holding the gun
does include aspects of Omada style. For us, the fact that the artist ventured away from,
'or into' what became a unique unidentifiable style, crowns him as
a superb master carver, as well as a humorous, comical
artist with seemingly untold skills and imagination.
Click thumbnails to enlarge.
This example measures 29
x 40 cms or 11.4 x 15.7 inches.
In Benin cosmology, the leopard is a symbol of royal power. At one
time leopards were sacrificed to ensure the well being of the
kingdom. In the seventeenth century the Oba kept tame leopards that
he led about in chains when he paraded through the city. This showed
his power and domination over the ‘King of the Bush’.
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