TERA Gallery - African Art and Antiquities "Altering The Way You View The World Of Art" |
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- Queen Mother's Head - Benin Bronze
- Her beauty makes me think of my mother, my sister, my aunts,
and my friends that I love so much.
The famous royal center of Benin in Nigeria produced a number of
remarkable objects and bronze heads cast in bronze including the
original of this late replica that was also cast in Nigeria.
Benin City was the center of power for the Edo people and the
place of residence for the Oba, the ruler. This bronze cast head is
of the Queen Mother, who was the mother of the Oba, the ruler at
Benin, who still rules today.
Her large headdress was composed of a network of precious
coral beadwork. Her hairstyle is presented with complex curls
and braids. It is a well sculpted figure marked by the fine detailing
of the face, hair and crown and a high degree of naturalism
uncommon in African sculpture.
That this is a replica cannot be doubted, but what is important to
note is that the skill of the Nigerian bronze and brass casters of
today who cast this head continue a tradition nearly 500 years old
at Benin and have not lost their skill in producing interesting works
of art. Though a late example of Benin Art it is finely worked and
cast with great skill.
Ethnic Group:
- Yoruba Society
- Benin, Nigeria and Togo
- Bronze
Dimensions:
- 16" high x 6" wide
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