Ifé - Nigeria (No reserve price)

Rare African statue from the Ife kingdom
Nigeria in bronze
Statue representing a court musician of the king.
Benin art is described as court art because it is associated with the king, called Oba. The tradition of the bronze courts of Ife dates back to the 14th century. The numerous heads and brass statues created by Benin artists were reserved for the exclusive use of the royal palace inhabitants and, most often, placed on altars dedicated by each new Oba. These rectangular altars were topped with heads, statues, carved ivory tusks, bells, and staffs. They served to commemorate an Oba and to connect with his spirit.