Superb large alloy cavalier - Bini/Edo - Nigeria (No reserve price)

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Current bid
€ 140
No reserve price
Julien Gauthier
Expert
Selected by Julien Gauthier

With almost a decade of experience bridging science, museum curation, and traditional blacksmithing, Julien has developed a unique expertise in historical arms, armour, and African art.

Estimate  € 200 - € 250
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Bronze alloy equestrian sculpture titled “superbe grand cavalier en alliage” from the Bini/Edo culture of Nigeria, with dimensions 50 cm high by 29 x 13 cm and dating to 2000–2010 in good condition.

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Description from the seller

Bronze alloy cavalier - Nigeria - BIni Edo - Lost wax bronze casting
The Kingdom of Benin, south of present-day Nigeria, is renowned for its magnificent bronzes and ivory sculptures.
These works constitute one of the greatest treasures of humanity and are among the masterpieces of museums around the world.

The Oba's palace, where the magnificent royal sanctuaries were located, was considered the center of the capital and the kingdom.

The art of Benin is undeniably royal art.
Its management was carried out by one of the three ruling orders, Iwebo (the other two being Iweguae and Ibiwe).
This order was responsible for the jewelry and personal effects of the king.

Many artisan guilds were affiliated with this order, and they primarily worked for the king throughout the history of the kingdom:
They could only execute orders for works for other clients with royal authorization.
The bronze founders, ivory sculptors, weavers, tailors, and leather artisans are some of the guilds led by the Iwebo.

Triadic representations show the Oba surrounded by two men who support his arms and hands; this emphasizes that the king could neither govern nor fulfill his duties alone.
This traditional setup reflects the typical way in which the king and dignitaries were positioned during ceremonies.

Bronze alloy cavalier - Nigeria - BIni Edo - Lost wax bronze casting
The Kingdom of Benin, south of present-day Nigeria, is renowned for its magnificent bronzes and ivory sculptures.
These works constitute one of the greatest treasures of humanity and are among the masterpieces of museums around the world.

The Oba's palace, where the magnificent royal sanctuaries were located, was considered the center of the capital and the kingdom.

The art of Benin is undeniably royal art.
Its management was carried out by one of the three ruling orders, Iwebo (the other two being Iweguae and Ibiwe).
This order was responsible for the jewelry and personal effects of the king.

Many artisan guilds were affiliated with this order, and they primarily worked for the king throughout the history of the kingdom:
They could only execute orders for works for other clients with royal authorization.
The bronze founders, ivory sculptors, weavers, tailors, and leather artisans are some of the guilds led by the Iwebo.

Triadic representations show the Oba surrounded by two men who support his arms and hands; this emphasizes that the king could neither govern nor fulfill his duties alone.
This traditional setup reflects the typical way in which the king and dignitaries were positioned during ceremonies.

Details

Indigenous object name
Superb large alloy cavalier
No. of items
1
Ethnic group/ culture
Bini/Edo
Country of Origin
Nigeria
Period
2000-2010
Material
African bronze
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Height
50 cm
Width
29 cm
Depth
13 cm
Sold by
FranceVerified
4833
Objects sold
98.03%
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