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Palace Plaque of a War Chief, Warriors and Attendants

17th century

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Kansas City, Missouri, United States

During the 16th and 17th centuries, royal brass-casting guilds created elaborately detailed plaques depicting court rituals and state ceremonies for the pillars and walls of the king's palace. On this plaque, a war chief in coral-bead regalia, flanked by warriors and attendants, raises a ceremonial eben sword in a gesture of honor and allegiance during the annual Igue ceremony to fortify the king's mystical powers. The incised quatrefoil background of river-plant leaves situates this court ritual within the realm of Olokun, god of the waters, wealth, well-being and fertility.

Details

  • Title: Palace Plaque of a War Chief, Warriors and Attendants
  • Creator Nationality: American
  • Date Created: 17th century
  • Physical Dimensions: w393.7 x h374.65 in
  • Type: Sculpture
  • Rights: Purchase: William Rockhill Nelson Trust, Purchase: William Rockhill Nelson Trust
  • Medium: Brass
  • Culture: Benin Kingdom

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