Tribal Art

These late sculptures, which were made when the king died, represent an oba whose neck is encircled with multiple necklaces of coral beads. His "oro" headdress is surmounted by an excrescence on which appears the king sitting with his ceremonial sword.
Brown patina, golden reflections.
African art from Benin is described as court art because it is closely associated with the king, known as Oba. The tradition of bronze court objects from the Benin Kingdom dates back to the 14th century. The numerous bronze alloy heads and statues created by the artists of Benin were reserved for the exclusive use of the inhabitants of the royal palace and, more often than not, placed on altars consecrated by each new Oba. These rectangular altars were surmounted by heads, statues, carved ivory tusks, bells and staves. They were used to commemorate an oba and to get in touch with his spirit. ("Benin", B.Plankensteiner)