7689 – Large bronze statue Height 51 cm King Oba Kingdom Benin Bini Edo Nigeria African Art Ethnic Tribal Art Vintage African Sculpture

Large bronze statue representing an Oba, the king of Benin (present-day Nigeria) also called Bini Edo, represented as a warrior Dimensions: Height 51 cm Width 19 cm Depth 13 cm - Weight 4.530 kg The ancient great kingdom of Benin, which lasted from the 12th century until the late 19th century when it was invaded by the British Empire in 1897, was a coastal West African state dominated by the Edo (Bini) ethnic group whose dynasty still survives today. Its territory corresponds to the southwest of present-day Nigeria. The present state of Benin does not correspond to the ancient kingdom of Benin, which is therefore located in what is now present-day Nigeria. Benin is the Portuguese pronunciation of the Itsekiri word Ubinu, which means "capital, seat of royalty" and referred to the capital Benin City. The name Ubinu itself comes from the Yoruba word Oba, which means "governor", and which designates among the Yoruba a sacred personage, like the divine king. The technique used for bronze works is lost wax casting.

Although delicate, it allows for the creation of works of great finesse and the reproduction of the smallest details of the original model, making each sculpture unique. Heads and statues made mainly from brass or copper alloys are generally referred to as "bronzes" or "Benin bronzes". From the 19th century onwards, very diverse decorative elements proliferated in bronze sculptures, such as the curved "wings" on either side of the oba's heads, scarifications on the faces, representations of sacred animals very present in Yoruba mythology and numerous sculptures highlighting the historical talent of bronze work.

This magnificent statue of good size is a representation of this, offering detailed decorations, such as the king's beard and finery, decorations and clothing. The helmet is framed by two characteristic fins, a typical attribute reserved for the Oba. The king, represented as a warrior, carries a beautifully twisted spear and a shield with a characteristic pattern. Price - On Request

Vintage from the 1960s

Materials: Bronze

Width: 19 centimeters

Height: 51 centimeters

Depth: 13 centimeters