Commemorative Altar Head

The Commemorative Altar Heads are considered one of the most significant works of art from the ancient Benin Kingdom. Cast in bronze, the piece mirrors the traditional coral-bead head dress worn by the Oba, king as part of his royal regalia. Its intrinsic features highlight the technical mastery, creativity and artistic talent that has been peculiar to the Benin bronze casters over the ages. The altar heads were commissioned as sacred memorial objects of worship on different ancestral altars of deceased Obas of the kingdom.

According to oral traditions of the people, the head (Uhunmwun) stands for life and one’s worldly bearing, for the ability to direct one’s actions in such a manner that leads to success. It is considered the seat of thought, reasoning power and will or character, of seeing, speaking and hearing. The Benin people believe that one’s head leads one through life, thus it is a core element of the religious principles of the kingdom.

This is why the head of the Oba is highly revered by the people as the seat of wisdom, will and power. As a result, the wellbeing and prosperity of the kingdom and its people lies on the head of the Oba. The people worship and offer sacrifices to the head in the ancestral altars to give thanks to the gods of the land for survival and prosperity, then seek continuous support in prayers. This regular act is important in spiritually fortifying the land from external oppressors and sustaining the growth and prosperity of the kingdom and its people.

While there is actual record of the actual Oba whose head this piece represents is not known, it is dated to have been produced between the 15th and 16th century.