BENIN ALTAR HEAD2

AFRICAN QUINTESSENCE

a gallery of the art of Africans

BENIN COMMEMORATIVE TRAY (Circa 18th /19th Century)

A very rare and uncharacteristic format of Benin art. A departuture

from fixed statuary, this tray depicts a royal procession during the

Ighue festival, the most important, soci-cultural event in Benin.

The scene shows the arrival of the king (Oba) at the festival. He is

flanked on the outer rows by guards of honor, the Osa priest leads

the procession (front center), announcing the King's arrival, while

the Osuan priest protectively leads the king. These two priests were

responsible for the King's spiritual and physical well being. Two

greeters in front of the king raise their hands in salute. This tray

is the closest thing to a photograph immortalizing a histoircal moment

in Benin life. Truly a treasure. 16 iches x 11inches x 9 inches.

Metallurgy analyzed and laboratory tested for age by McCrone Associates. 18th Century + / - 75 years.

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