Bearing a fine dark patina this altar head wears a headdress of "coral" beads, with three star-like clusters attached. Four "coral" beaded strands (erhu-ivie), two either side of the ears and the single braided strands with dual cylindrical beads, hang to the base. The hole at the top of the head was intended for the insertion of a tusk. Neck rings composed of separate "lozenges" covers the chin to the lower lip. Beautifully modelled and very expressive, the eye lids are incised with short slashes, which further heightens the intensity of the wide open pupils. Six keloids (protruding scarification) line the upper forehead on both sides of a central bead extension. Such bronze heads as this one were placed as part of the furnishings of a shrine, which an Oba (king) commanded to be set up in memory of his immediately deceased predecessor on assuming the throne.