Tribal Art

Wearing a fishnet that was made from coral beads, this late type head represents a dignitary from Benin. A symbol of wealth, this coral reserved for kings and dignitaries of the palace had to be regularly anointed with the blood of victims in order to acquire magical power. Dark patina, ocher reflections.
The many bronze heads and statues created with lost wax by the craftsmen of Benin were reserved for the exclusive use of the inhabitants of the royal palace and, most often, placed on altars consecrated by each new oba, king of the ethnic group. . These rectangular altars were surmounted by heads, statues, carved ivory tusks, bells and staves. The Oba commemorated was thereby subject to offerings in order to come into contact with his spirit. Another tradition also evokes the molding, by the founders, of the heads of vanquished kings who had been decapitated. The effigy of the most valiant among them was sent as a warning to their successor. These heads are distinguished by their frontal scarifications characteristic of neighboring Edo peoples. (Source: "Benin", Armand Duchâteau)