QUEEN OF BENIN BRONZE SCULPTURE

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QUEEN OF BENIN BRONZE SCULPTURE

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Sold Date: 05/20/2007
Channel: Online Auction
Source: eBay
Category: Ethnic, Folk & Native American Art

HISTORY:

Benin, the principle kingdom of western Africa from the 12th to 19th centuries, was founded by the Edo peoples; ruled by the Oba and seconded by the Queen, the divine ruler or king whose ancestral lineage has ruled since the 15th century; and has long received world wide acclaim for its exceptional art, especially remarkable bronzes created from the old lost wax method of casting. The people of Benin (the Bini) were direct descendants of the Ife, also renowned for bronze art. Traditionally Benin art was created to honor the Oba who controlled the use and production of all ivory and bronze materials. Benin traded with the Portuguese and Dutch during the 15th century, allowing the first pieces of this incredible work to be brought out into the Western World. Some believe that influence of this contact can be seen in the art since that period. The British burned and conquered Benin City in 1897, leaving the remains of a once flourishing kingdom to be incorporated into British Nigeria.

SPEC:

Collected from the: Benin peoples of the old Benin Kingdom (Nigeria), West Africa
Material: Bronze
Period: Early 20th century
Condition: Perfect condtion, no damages