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).

This bronze head is thought to represent an Oba, or king, who has reigned in Benin, Nigeria with his ancestors, since the 13th century. Since that time, bronze heads in the image of the Oba and other royal court officials have been cast using the lost-wax method and kept as possessions within the royal compound to demonstrate the prestige and power of the royal family.

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 and its imagery is highly unique.