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African & Tribal Art :
Benin : Benin Ivory Head of a Mother Queen
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Benin Ivory Head of a Mother Queen - PF.5563
Origin: Benin City, Nigeria
Circa: 17
th
Century AD
to 19
th
Century AD
Dimensions:
9" (22.9cm) high
x 3" (7.6cm) wide
Collection: African
Style: Benin
Medium: Ivory
Condition: Very Fine
Location: UAE
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| Description |
This head of a deceased Benin queen would have
played a vital role in the structure of their
religious beliefs. She would have been placed in
a special altar and sacrifices would have been
offered in her honor. She has a commanding
gaze with her large oval eyes. She is royally
garbed in a coral beaded headdress that wraps
around her head like a net. The mound in her
headdress signifies the fact that this is a queen
and not a king. Coral necklaces cover her neck
and jaw, rising like a solid column up to her lips.
A work such as this was the focal point of courtly
Benin art. Deceased relatives were believed to
play an active role in the lives of their ancestors
and the community. They could, especially royal
figures, rise to the levels of the gods. Thus this
work is just a memorial to a lost queen, but an
idol to be actively worshipped. Even in death,
this queen retained the ability to shape the
course of her kingdom.
- (PF.5563)
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