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Commemorative head
Edo, Benin kingdom, Nigeria
late 15th–early 16th century
Object Place: Benin Kingdom, Nigeria
Medium/Technique
Copper alloy, iron
Dimensions
Length x width: 20.3 x 15.9 cm (8 x 6 1/4 in.)
Credit Line
Robert Owen Lehman Collection
Accession Number2012.250
CollectionsAfrica and Oceania
ClassificationsSculpture
ProvenanceBy 1964 until at least 1970, Jay C. Leff (b. 1925 - d. 2000), Uniontown, PA [see note]. 2012, gift of Robert Owen Lehman to the MFA. (Accession Date: April 25, 2012)
NOTE: Included in the exhibitions "African Sculpture from the Collection of Jay C. Leff" (Museum of Primitive Art, New York. November 25, 1964 – February 7, 1965), cat. no. 71 and "The Art of Black Africa: Collection Jay C. Leff" (Carnegie Institute, Pittsburgh, October 24, 1969 –January 18, 1970), cat. no. 186.
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.
NOTE: Included in the exhibitions "African Sculpture from the Collection of Jay C. Leff" (Museum of Primitive Art, New York. November 25, 1964 – February 7, 1965), cat. no. 71 and "The Art of Black Africa: Collection Jay C. Leff" (Carnegie Institute, Pittsburgh, October 24, 1969 –January 18, 1970), cat. no. 186.
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.