Benin Brass Bell-Shaped Head, 19th Century CE - 20th Century CE
Brass
6.3
SP.082 (LSO)
Brass bells have played an important role in Benin courtly society since at least the 16th century, being part of the paraphernalia that was placed upon the altars of deceased...
Brass bells have played an important role in Benin courtly society since at least the 16th century, being part of the paraphernalia that was placed upon the altars of deceased Obas as means for contacting the dead. This example is more recent, yet is made in the traditional format. The face stands proud of the upper half of the bell, the rim flaring as if it were the figure’s chest or piece of clothing. The face is striped from the eyes outwards to the jawline, and the body of the bell is decorated with ornate devices resembling jewellery. The eyes are protuberant, the top of the head adorned with a crown (?) and a suspension loop.
The kingdom of Benin can justifiably lay claim to having produced the finest artists and craftsmen in the history of the African continent. Yet this heritage was scarcely recognised outside their area until the British punitive expedition of 1897, which destroyed and looted the ancient city compounds and in so doing brought the achievements of Benin to the world’s attention. The kingdom of Benin was founded by a descendent of an Ife king in c.1180 AD. In the 15th and 16th centuries AD the power of the empire stretched across most of West Africa, and those areas not under their control were indirectly influenced by the effect of their trade networks and material culture styles. Until the late 19th century, the Benin centres were a ruling power in Nigeria, dominating trade routes and amassing enormous wealth as the military and economic leaders of their ancient empire.
Benin art was designed to venerate the achievements and/or memory of the Obas, the divine rulers of the Benin polities. The artists and craftsmen were typically attached to a specific court, and charged with manufacture of objects solely for their ruler. Obas were immortalised as one or several bronze/brass heads, which were used as supports for holding elephant tusks in a crescent across the top of commemorative altars. Brass leopards, spears, statues, tableaux (depicting the Oba and his followers) and rattle-staffs (ukhurhe) are also known, although it is perhaps for the famous brass plaques that Benin artistic heritage is best known. Perhaps the most unusual items to grace the kingly altars were the bells, which were designed to be rung in order to awaken the spirits.
This is a powerful and impressive piece of African art.
The kingdom of Benin can justifiably lay claim to having produced the finest artists and craftsmen in the history of the African continent. Yet this heritage was scarcely recognised outside their area until the British punitive expedition of 1897, which destroyed and looted the ancient city compounds and in so doing brought the achievements of Benin to the world’s attention. The kingdom of Benin was founded by a descendent of an Ife king in c.1180 AD. In the 15th and 16th centuries AD the power of the empire stretched across most of West Africa, and those areas not under their control were indirectly influenced by the effect of their trade networks and material culture styles. Until the late 19th century, the Benin centres were a ruling power in Nigeria, dominating trade routes and amassing enormous wealth as the military and economic leaders of their ancient empire.
Benin art was designed to venerate the achievements and/or memory of the Obas, the divine rulers of the Benin polities. The artists and craftsmen were typically attached to a specific court, and charged with manufacture of objects solely for their ruler. Obas were immortalised as one or several bronze/brass heads, which were used as supports for holding elephant tusks in a crescent across the top of commemorative altars. Brass leopards, spears, statues, tableaux (depicting the Oba and his followers) and rattle-staffs (ukhurhe) are also known, although it is perhaps for the famous brass plaques that Benin artistic heritage is best known. Perhaps the most unusual items to grace the kingly altars were the bells, which were designed to be rung in order to awaken the spirits.
This is a powerful and impressive piece of African art.