Memorial head of an "oba" · Nigeria, Benin · ID: 3041197
Kegel-Konietzko, Hamburg, Germany
Description
wood, encrusted brown patina, sacrificial traces, schematized facial features, chin and neck veiled by a collar, a cap with wing-shaped projection on top, cavity on the back, lobes aside, cavity on the back, min. dam., cracks, traces of insect caused damage, slight traces of abrasion;
the Benin people believed that the head of a deceased guides man through life and represents a guarantor for prosperity and well-being of the whole community. The head is the place for thinking, judging, hearing, seeing, speaking and of life as a whole. The kings heads show common, non-individual facial features, serving as a representation of power and wealth. Versions of terracotta and wood were displayed on ancestor shrines of chiefs and bronze casters, while the heads made of brass were reserved for kings.
The object Memorial head of an “oba” with the object ID 3041197 was last part of the auction 84th Tribal Art Auction at November 5, 2016 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 280.
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