A cast bronze/brass commemorative head in the Benin court tradition of Nigeria, standing approximately 33 cm tall. The head is finished with a close-fitting ribbed/striated cap of hair, naturalistically modeled facial features including almond-shaped eyes, a straight nose, and full lips, and flared triangular ears set close to the head. The neck is columnar and unadorned, tapering to a rounded base. The surface shows an aged, mottled patina in tones of grey-green and ochre, consistent with natural aging of a copper-alloy casting.
Commemorative bronze/brass heads from the Benin Kingdom (and the closely related Ife tradition) are among the most celebrated achievements of West African metalwork, historically cast using the lost-wax (cire perdue) method to honor kings (obas) and royal ancestors for display on palace altars. The style has also been extensively reproduced since the early 20th century for the decorative, museum-shop, and tourist art markets.
Details of the item:
Style: Benin/Ife court bronze head tradition, Nigeria (see attribution note)
Material: Cast bronze/brass alloy (lost-wax technique)
Height: approx. 33 cm
Condition: Aged mottled patina (see photos)
Type: Commemorative/royal-style head, decorative or reproduction
Commemorative bronze/brass heads from the Benin Kingdom (and the closely related Ife tradition) are among the most celebrated achievements of West African metalwork, historically cast using the lost-wax (cire perdue) method to honor kings (obas) and royal ancestors for display on palace altars. The style has also been extensively reproduced since the early 20th century for the decorative, museum-shop, and tourist art markets.
Details of the item:
Style: Benin/Ife court bronze head tradition, Nigeria (see attribution note)
Material: Cast bronze/brass alloy (lost-wax technique)
Height: approx. 33 cm
Condition: Aged mottled patina (see photos)
Type: Commemorative/royal-style head, decorative or reproduction