|
HOME :
African & Tribal Art :
AS.On Loan : Benin Sculpture of an Altar
|
 |
|
|
|
Benin Sculpture of an Altar - PF.6063
Origin: Nigeria
Circa: 19
th
Century AD
to 20
th
Century AD
Dimensions:
6.5" (16.5cm) high
Collection: African
Medium: Bronze
Additional Information: AS
£6,000.00
Location: UAE
|
|
|
| Photo Gallery |
|
|
| Description |
The art of Benin is the product of an urban royal
court, and is meant to symbolize and to extol the
power, mystique, grandeur, continuity, and
endurance of the ruling dynasty. Benin was
controlled by the Oba, a divine ruler at the head
of the political system. As the office of the Oba
became increasingly ceremonial and the art
produced evolved into an instrument of the
state,
as seen in this work. This diminutive sculpture
represents a ceremonial altar. The head of an
Oba, likely either sculpted in bronze or wood,
rests on top of the altar to be properly
worshipped and honored. A carved ivory tusk
that would have emerged from the center of the
head can be seen replicated here as well. The
round altar is covered with faces and would
have
originally been carved out of wood, utilizing the
natural shape of the tree trunk. Even in this
replica of an altar, the importance of the Oba can
be easily construed. The prominent place atop
the altar alone suggests prestige, further
emphasized by the increased scale and overall
refinement of the Oba’s head when compared to
the relief faces along the altar. The spectacular
ornamentation of the Oba, including coral
necklaces and an elaborated crowned webbed
in
coral and ivory beads. This sculpture represents
one of the most sacred places in a Benin
community. Here, the villagers could pay their
respect to their deceased ancestors and ruler.
Perhaps this work was meant to be a traveling
altar that a dignitary could bring along with him
on his travels to neighboring cultures.
- (PF.6063)
|
| |
|
