Oba's Palace Plaque

Origin: Benin Kingdom, Nigeria
Composition: lost wax-cast bronze

"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 and its governing institutions. From the 14th century until its fall in 1897, Benin was ruled by the oba, a divine ruler at the head of the political system of titled chiefs. Under royal support, a number of craftsman's guilds produced brass, ivory, and wood sculptures and embroidered cloth which have become prized by museums and command high prices on the art market. They continue to be made today, and new forms are emerging to become part of contemporary Benin culture" (University of Pennsylvania).

Historically, plaques such as this were made for hanging on the palace walls, for display with other court art and prestige pieces (bronze heads, busts, utilitarian objects, and ivory tusks, figures and horns) which were placed upon a royal altar and displayed as signs of the wealth and power of the Oba (king). The images on the plaque show the Oba in the center, with court officials in complete official regalia on both sides of him and two pages between them. The dark patina and extraordinary detail are elements of the nearly flawless execution of the piece.

The incredible artistry of this piece demonstrates why Benin bronzes have been the most sought after works of African art for the last 500 years. While some Benin works date back as far as the 14th century A.D., this piece is known to be a 20th century work. Its quality is superior.

Since being photographed, this piece has been mounted on a custom base.