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HOME :
African & Tribal Art :
Benin : Benin Style Ivory Hip Ornament
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Benin Style Ivory Hip Ornament - PF.2877
Origin: Southcentral Nigeria
Circa: 20
th
Century AD
Dimensions:
6.625" (16.8cm) high
x 3.25" (8.3cm) wide
Collection: African
Style: Benin
Medium: Ivory
$8,000.00
Location: United States
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| Description |
To the Benin people, ivory was more precious
than gold. Since the elephant was the most
powerful warrior in the wild, it was believed that
the elephant and Benin warriors shared the same
conceptual space. From this belief, ivory came to
represent the great warriors of the Benin culture.
This small, stunning mask would have been a
part of an "orufanaran" ensemble. Pieces such as
this would have been tied to a warrior's
ceremonial dress to illustrate his valor.
- (PF.2877)
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