Edo artist, Benin kingdom court style, Nigeria
Plaque
Mid-16th to 17th century
Copper alloy
46.7 x 33 x 5.1 cm (18 3/8 x 13 x 2 in.)
Gift of Joseph H. Hirshhorn to the Smithsonian Institution in 1979, 85-19-19
Like chiefs in Benin today, this chief raises an eben in a gesture of respect. He wears an elaborate tunic trimmed with rattles. On his left hip are a bell and pendant in the form of a face, the emblem of a chief.
Details