Benin Head from Nigeria 18th Century (7in X 10in X 19in)
This bronze-crowned head is from the royal court of Benin, Nigeria. They are produced using the 'lost wax' method of bronze casting. The 'Benin Bronzes' (made of brass and bronze) are a group of sculptures that include elaborately decorated cast plaques, commemorative heads, animal and human figures, items of royal regalia, and personal ornaments. They were created from at least the 16th century onwards in the West African Kingdom of Benin, by specialist guilds working for the royal court of the Oba (king) in Benin City. The Kingdom also supported guilds working in other materials such as ivory, leather, coral, and wood, and the term 'Benin Bronzes' is sometimes used to refer to historic objects produced using these other materials.
