Description: "Memorial Head of the King" Benin Southern Nigeria Sand Cast Bronze Early 19th CWonderful Benin Bronze Memorial Head, sand cast bronze from the famed bronze casters of the Kingdom of Benin, in southern Nigeria. Purchased from a collector. Benin bronze art, crafted by the Edo people of the Kingdom of Benin from the 13th century onwards, represents a pinnacle of artistic expression in West Africa. Fashioned primarily from brass using the intricate lost-wax technique, these sculptures and decorative pieces were commissioned by the Oba to commemorate significant events, honor ancestors, and convey cultural values. From depictions of humans, animals, and daily life to symbolic representations laden with religious meaning, these artworks showcased unparalleled craftsmanship and detailed designs. With origins dating back to the 9th century in Igbo-Ukwu, Nigeria, the tradition of bronze casting reached its zenith during the powerful West African kingdoms of the 14th to 19th centuries. The cire perdue technique, demanding and refined, was reserved for skilled bronze casters, forming exclusive guilds. Solely the king could authorize bronze production and regulate its use, creating altars adorned with busts, heads of kings, ornate carvings, and symbolic objects like cast-brass bells, masks, rattle-staffs, and animal sculptures. These prized artworks captivated European collectors in the 16th century and have since been dispersed worldwide, residing in museums and private collections, testifying to the profound artistic legacy of West Africa.
Price: 299 USD
Location: Dunkirk, Maryland
End Time: 2024-12-28T15:42:26.000Z
Shipping Cost: 15.5 USD
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Item Specifics
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Return policy details:
Brand: Handmade
Color: Brown
Type: Cast Bronze Head
