BENIN BRONZE ALTAR HEAD (uhunnmu-ilaho)

Circa 16^th / 17^th Century

Perhaps the most recognized of all Benin icons, bronze altar heads are the most prominent features on Benin altars. They were cast to honor and maintain the presence of predecessors. This practice reflects the Benin association of the head with being the seat of judgment, intelligence, character, as well as the source of the senses of taste, smell, sound, sight and reasoning. The head is synonymous with destiny (ehi) in Benin context.

This particular style typifies the middle period in Benin art history (1550 – 1700), which marked a progression from the highly naturalistic to the more stylized, and eventually more ornamented, and flamboyant styles of the late period. Certainly a treasure fit for kings. 12 inches tall.

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