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Thumbnail-size images of copyrighted artworks are displayed under fair use, in accordance with guidelines recommended by the Code of Best Practices in Fair Use for the Visual Arts, published by the College Art Association in February 2015.
Hip ornament showing a ram
Edo, Benin kingdom, Nigeria
18th century
Medium/Technique
Copper alloy
Dimensions
Length x width: 20.3 x 13.3 cm (8 x 5 1/4 in.)
Credit Line
Robert Owen Lehman Collection
Accession NumberL-G 7.6.2012
CollectionsJewelry, Africa and Oceania
ClassificationsJewelry / Adornment – Pendants
This large rams-head ornament has a sturdy loop hidden in the cavity behind it, meant to help secure the waist wrapper of a high-ranking member of the Benin court. The artist has stylized the ram's horns, and added a delicate border of coiled mudfish to the lower edge. Although mudfish may seem humble creatures, their ability to live dormant in dried river beds makes them a potent symbol of the Oba's ability to live in both earthly and spiritual realms. The mudfish form small loops that would have held small rattles or bells--two remain. Imagine the sound of a richly dressed courtier approaching with this finely made ornament on his hip.
Marks
2/387/1 on back
ProvenanceBy 1984, Mathias Komor (dealer; d. 1984), New York; sold by Komor to Robert Owen Lehman; 2012, promised gift of Robert Owen Lehman to the MFA.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Although the early provenance of this object is not recorded, it is likely that British forces looted it from the Royal Palace in Benin City in 1897. At that time troops occupied the city and seized approximately 4,000 works of art; these objects then made their way to European collectors, dealers, and museums. It is also possible that it left Benin City at a later date or by other means that have not been documented.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Although the early provenance of this object is not recorded, it is likely that British forces looted it from the Royal Palace in Benin City in 1897. At that time troops occupied the city and seized approximately 4,000 works of art; these objects then made their way to European collectors, dealers, and museums. It is also possible that it left Benin City at a later date or by other means that have not been documented.