An Uhunmwu-Elao

An Uhunmwu-Elao, Commemorative head of an Oba. Cast copper alloy.

The commemorative heads that have survived in large numbers from this period are strongly formalized. Their faces are largely identical, but the royal insignia are more elaborate and their shapes vary. What they all have in common is the cap made of coral beads. Various motifs on a plinth around the base refer to the king's spiritual power. At the same time, the heads are becoming larger and their wall thickness is significantly thicker. In fact, on the altars of the 18th and 19th centuries, the commemorative heads also serve as a basis for large elephant teeth carved with motifs that were depicted on the relief panels in the early days of Benin, in the 16th and 17th centuries.

Commemorative Head, Provenance: Békésy, Georg von Nobel Foundation, Location: Stockholm Sweden.

Height: 34 cm
Weight: 6 kg