Iy’ọba, a Queen mother brass head

A Queen mother brass head, Iy’ọba, in the style of Benin, from Nigeria. The head with a large cylindrical collar that covers the chin; with small round lips poking over it, the shot pointed nose and the bulging eyes with oxidized iron inlays give it its distinct expression, the brows are striated; the cone shaped hood pointed forward and adorned with a corals. Signs of oxidations, some damages on the left side, where the bronze is partially broken. Certificate of Origin and Provenance.  

“In the Benin kingdom, the iyoba, or mother of the oba (king), occupies an important and historically significant place within Benin's political hierarchy. The title was first conferred upon Idia, the mother of king Esigie, who used her political skill to save her son's kingdom from dissolution in the late fifteenth century. Ever since that time, queen mothers have been considered powerful protectors of their sons and, by extension, the kingdom itself. Because of the enormous esteem in which they are held, iyobas enjoy privileges second only to the oba himself, such as a separate palace, a retinue of female attendants, and the right to commission cast brass sculptures for religious or personal use.” Source the Met Museum, NY

TL Analysis available on request

Height: 47 cm
Weight: 6,9 kg