Waist pendant or hip ornament in shape of human face
Description
bronze alloy, large eyes with iron inlay, coral-bead headband “udaeha”, above the face is a latticework coral-bead cap with clusters of (coral) beads at the edges, three raised keloid scarification marks “ikharo” above each eye, decorative flange around the lower part of the face, large loop at the top backside,min. dam., minor missing parts, slight traces of corrosion;
chiefs and titleholders in Benin wear a variety of brass ornaments as part of their elaborate costumes for palace ceremonies. Most are worn singly at the left hip, covering the closure of their wrapped skirts. The bead regalia depicted on the hip ornaments suggest that they represent the chiefs and titleholders who wear them, as a way of reflecting and reinforcing their status.