1914 Benin Oba and His Queen Cast Bronzes, Nigeria West Africa Bust Pair

Description

Stunning Bronze figures venerating the Oba (King) and Queen of Benin who are the traditional and Monarchical head of the … more Stunning Bronze figures venerating the Oba (King) and Queen of Benin who are the traditional and Monarchical head of the Benin empire spanning many centuries till today.

The current Oba of Benin is Ewuare II who ascended the thone in 2016 after the death of his father , the previous King, Erediauwa.


Origin.
The Edo People of Nigeria.

Use.
These type of figures , often crafted with copper or bronze, were commemorative creation dating back to the 16th century representing dignitaries, monarchs and important individuals.

Description.
Fine examples of commemorative figures of the King (Oba) and Queen of Benin standing on pedestals with emblems of the the royal sword and weaponry. featuring Usual serene facial expression. Good form, balance and symmetry overall.

Stunning and glistening patina of new bronze, under a decade old, that will be well-preserved once indoors and away from exposure to the elements. Amazing to see in reality.

The Oba of Benin is in full Regalia with his elaborate headwear and neck jewellery made from coral beads that were relatively rare and very valuable in ancient Benin empire dating back to 12th century.

He also wears the traditional coral neck band adornment that covers the whole neck and chin area of the Oba.

The Queen is similarly adorned in the customary traditional Royal wear consisting of elaborate headdress decorated with coral beads and ornaments along with several coral neck chains


A magnificent pair of African cast bronze statues of King Oba and his Queen. Weighing 5 pounds each, these sculptures are finely detailed. Museum quality.

In 1897, British military force of approximately 1,200 men under the command of Sir Harry Rawson mounted the Benin punitive Expedition.The force was dispatched in retaliation to the ambush of a British party, at Ugbine village near Gwato on 4 January 1897 by a group of Benin soldiers who were acting without orders from the Oba; the ambush had led to the deaths of all but two of the British party. The British force captured the capital of the Kingdom of Benin, sacking and burning the city while forcing the Oba of Benin, Ovonramwen, into a six-month exile.The expeditionary force consisted of both indigenous soldiers and British officers based incolonial-era Nigeria. Numerous artworks (collectively known as theBenin Bronzes) looted from the city palace were sold off to defray the costs of the expedition.Ovonramwen died in 1914,his throne never having been restored to him.His son, grandson and now his great-grandson, however, has preserved their title and status as traditional rulers in modern-dayNigeria. Oba Ovonramwen Nogbaisi(ruled 18881897), also calledOverami, was theba(king) of theKingdom of Beninup until the Britishpunitive expedition of 1897

King weighs 8.32 lbs
Queen weighs 5.48 lbs

These bust were bought directly from African Import Dealer at Round Top Texas. less