Top Half of a Brass Oba Figure with Half of a Ceremonial Sword

Top Half of a Brass Oba Figure with Half of a Ceremonial Sword

Benin Culture

before 1874

Benin Culture

West Africa

The three brass sculptures in the Davis Collection are made in the style of Benin shrine figures, and they likely represent royal individuals in the Benin Culture. All three figures are made in traditional Benin style, with simplified, idealized, youthful adult features , outlined eyes, and a forward-facing gaze that symbolizes sight into the spirit world. The figures are also all made up of resilient brass, a royal material that represents the continuity of kingship; its reddish color symbolizes royal blood, divinity, and also a threat as it refers to the royal privilege of having the sole right to spill blood or order capital punishment, and this right is believed to deter evil. The figure also wear cast representations of strands of coral beads (another royal material) that have been woven into nets and are works as headdresses, clothing, and necklaces. All three figures carry representations of swords but only two of them carry eben, the wide royal sword, and the same two wear the heavy coral-bead regalia, coral-bead headdress, and the round royal collar that rests on the shoulders; these two figures, are likely each representations of an oba. The third figure also wears a complete outfit of coral beads and a headdress with projecting pieces, but he wears a stylized version of the collar, and he carries only an ada, a ceremonial sword that is carried by pages, priests, and town chiefs. Nevertheless, as the regalia he wears is the prerogative of an oba, he may represent an oba, or he could represent a very important royal official.

Researched by Timberlee Long, MSU Student, 2008, Under the direction of Dr. Billie Follensbee

20th Century

16.5 cm h. x 8.6 cm w. x 5.1 cm d.

Sculpture

Brass

Lost wax casting, paint

Frances Davis Extended Loan, 1974.

1974.016

1974

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