Memorial head of the brasscasters guild, 18th - 19th century

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Description

terracotta, rest., base

In design, with cap and wide collar of coral beads, reminding of royal commemorative heads made of bronze “uhunmwun elao” or of “oba” wood heads.

However, commemorative heads made of terracotta were reserved for members of the brasscasters guild and were placed on their ancestral altars.

According to oral tradition a brasscaster named “Igueghae” came from Ife during the reign of Oba Oguola (late 14th century) to teach his skills to Benin craftsmen. He was said to have brought the terracotta heads to Benin to use as models in teaching. Because the process of modeling clay for the terracotta heads is virtually the same as that of modeling wax for cast brass heads.

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Comparing literature

Ezra, Kate, Royal Art of Benin, New York 1992, p. 47 f.

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Publications

Kaplan, Flora E. S., Images of Power, Art of the Royal Court of Benin, New York, 1981, p. 19, ill. 10

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Exhibition

New York University's Fine Art Museum: The Grey Art Gallery, January 23 - February 21, 1981

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