A Benin plate in the style of Benin, strongly oxidised patina of differentblayers, see magnification at the end of the photosequence. "The three unclothed young men with coral necklaces on their necks and ankles, whose bodies are tattooed or painted, are probably not the king's personal servants (emada), who are usually depicted unclothed. According to oral tradition, this plate is now considered to be a depiction of Prince Odogbo, later King Ohuan (1608-1641). When he was born, a rumor arose that the newborn was a girl. After his appointment as heir to the throne, he had to prove his male gender by appearing naked." Source Digital Benin. Lit. Felix von Luschan: Die Altertümer von Benin, Band 2, Berlin 1919, S. 219-220., Barbara Plankensteiner ((Editor: Benin. Könige und Rituale. Höfische Kunst aus Nigeria, Wien 2007, S. 468. Former Webster, William Downing, Ethnologisches Museum, Staatliche Museen Berlin (last photo sequence).