Brass plaque: King Esigie shielded by attendants

The central figure on this plaque has been identified as Oba (King) Esigie who ruled the Benin Kingdom from c. 1504-1550. This identification is based on a comparison of depictions on other plaques and carved ivories. The king is wearing a multi-strand agate (red stone) and coral bead necklace, a deep coral bead collar, arm and leg ornaments and a beaded cap. His wrap around cloth is probably made from imported European fabrics. He holds a ceremonial flywhisk and his left hand is supported by one of the smaller scale attendants.

The two larger attendants on either side of the oba also wear patterned wrappers and coral bead caps. They hold up shields to protect the oba from evil spirits. Only the oba was allowed to be safeguarded in this way within Benin City.

The Benin brass plaques were part of a well-established West African tradition of royal palace decoration. They represent a distinct and unique form of work, unparalleled elsewhere on the continent. They plaques were cast using the cire perdue (lost wax) technique and show significant variation in the depth of the casting. Some of the plaques portray historical events or commemorate successful wars. Others are a vivid depiction of Benin court life and ritual. Several groups of plaques show clear stylistic similarities which may represent the work of master brass casters.

Although frequently described as 'Benin bronzes' most plaques are made from a mixture of lead and brass. There are more than nine hundred plaques of this type in museums in the UK, Europe and America. Many now in the British Museum were looted from the royal palace in Benin City by British troops who attacked Benin City during a military expedition in 1897.