Back to Selected Artworks

Head of an Oba

Fullscreen

Related Content

Staff: Female Figure

Staff: Female Figure

Hip Ornament: Face

Hip Ornament: Face

Staff: Seated Oba

Staff: Seated Oba

Head of Iyoba

Head of Iyoba

Head of an Oba

Head of an Oba

Browse current and upcoming exhibitions and events.

Exhibitions:

Events:

Events:

Head of an Oba

Date:
19th century
Geography:
Nigeria, Court of Benin
Culture:
Edo peoples
Medium:
Brass, iron
Dimensions:
H. 18 x W. 11 3/4 x D. 12 in. (45.7 x 29.9 x 30.5 cm)
Classification:
Metal-Sculpture
Credit Line:
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Klaus G. Perls, 1991
Accession Number:
1991.17.3

This artwork is currently on display in Gallery 352

  • Description

    This example of a brass casting of a Benin head may date to the mid-nineteenth century. The extreme degree of stylization, swollen cheeks and enlarged eyes, the size of the flange at the base, the weight of the casting, and the winglike projections attached to the crowns are characteristic of brass casting during this later period of Benin royal court.

  • Provenance

    [W. D. Webster, London]; Dr. Ernst Augustin, until 1971; (Sotheby's, London, July 13, 1971, no. 240); (Sotheby's, London, November 26, 1979, no. 172); Mr. and Mrs. Klaus G. Perls, New York, until 1991

50009143

Close