Ibierugha (Oba)

A sculpture of an Ibierugha (Oba).

Ibierugha (attendant figures) are in the first stage of being initiated into chieftaincy. They are wearing the Odigba, which is the bead collar worn by the Ọba and chiefs, and have a distinctive hairstyle or headdress which would have been the fashion for chiefs.

Provenance Abdoulaye Ousmane, Belgium

Ibierugha are either carved in ivory or cast in brass/bronze. As with much of Benin art, they are not portraits of specific people, but depict in a general manner attendants who would have served the Ọba. The boys or men all wear a distinctive headdress or hairstyle with a raised section down the centre part. The figures are often naked except for a beaded string or girdle around the waist or hips, and they often wear a beaded choker which can only be worn by an individual of high rank in the court. The figures usually stand on top of square bases decorated with low relief guilloche motifs. Source Digital Benin.

This bronze sculpture depicts an Oba standing with arms extended, holding a ceremonial sword in the right hand and a palm-down gesture in the left. The figure is adorned with a beaded headdress, a lattice tunic, and a kilt decorated with motifs such as Portuguese heads and leopards. The presence of a cylindrical projection at the center and a twisted loop on the head suggests it represents a specific Oba, possibly Oba Osamwede (c. 1815–c. 1850). Provenance: Formerly at Knoedler Galleries, New York, and Mrs. George W. Crawford. Source: Christie's

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Height: 35 cm
Weight: 2,1 kg