Staff "asan errie" ·  Nigeria, Benin · ID: 3038422

Description

brass, staff-shaped handle decorated with three small figures, each rising from disc-shaped platforms and each janiform, “blade” with engraved diamond-shaped decor, traces of corrosion, metal base;
staffs of this kind might be borne by officials sent by “iyase” to secure supplies or carry out orders in his role as representative of the people or as war leader. The figure on top can be identified as the “iyase” chief by his distinctive hat, the figure below shows a merchant coming from the coast and the figure at the bottom depicts a warrior of “iyase”, which is why it can be assumed that the staff was used for military purposes. “Iyase” was one of the most powerful Benin leaders in war times, he was the representative of the people and leader of the political opposition at the Court of Benin.

Comparing literature

Plankensteiner, Barbara (Hg.), Benin, Könige und Rituale, Wien 2007, p. 308, ill. 52 f.