This Urhoto bronze sculpture, which places the Queen Mother at its center, stands as a remarkable testament to the courtly art of the Kingdom of Benin. She is surrounded by eight female figures who appear to act as her protectors, with two raising their hands in a gesture of shielding, emphasizing both reverence and the need for her safeguarding. This arrangement highlights the dual role of the Iyoba: she was not only a political advisor and influential figure at court, but also a carrier of ritual responsibility and spiritual authority. Particularly striking is the square opening before the Queen Mother, which can be interpreted as a site for offerings. This element underscores the inseparable link between worldly power and ritual practice, which the sculpture both documents and conveys. The surrounding figures seem to serve not merely as attendants but as participants in the ritual actions, supporting the central figure and making visible the symbolic order of the court. The hierarchical arrangement of the figures, the symbolic gestures of protection and veneration, and the choice of bronze all reflect the aesthetic and cultural principles of Benin court art. Bronze as a medium conveys durability, prestige, and the spiritual presence of the depicted personages. The composition presents a complex vision of power, ritual, and social structure, in which the Queen Mother embodies both political and spiritual significance. Taken as a whole, the sculpture not only documents the presence of an influential woman at court but also illustrates the intimate connection between political hierarchy, ritual practice, and artistic expression in the Kingdom of Benin. It offers insight into the social and religious structures of the court and the ways in which power was made visible and symbolically enacted. Condition Report: The base of the altar sculpture exhibits slight warping consistent with its age. This alteration demonstrates that bronze, while durable, is not entirely rigid and can undergo measurable changes over time due to environmental factors and the passage of centuries. Overall, the sculpture remains structurally stable, with the observed deformations reflecting its historical and material context rather than any damage from mishandling. CAB39527