Benin Bronze from West Africa [774 x 1000]

Asset number

1613665493

Description

Full: Front

Relief plaque, lost-wax cast in brass. Wide plaque, rectangular in form with side flanges. Six rosettes in low relief in top and bottom corners and at midway on left and right sides. Background surface decorated with river leaf patterns and stippling. Four (?) nail holes at top, two holes at midway at left and right, two holes at bottom right and left.

Depicts single standing warrior figure, facing front, holding sword under left arm, right arm held aloft. Wears helmet with three feathers at top, ruff around neck, leopard's tooth necklace, armlet on upper right arm, bracelets on right wrist, baldric with bells and tassels, fringed object on right hip, sash tied on left side, and patterned wrap-around skirt.

© The Trustees of the British Museum