a superb dwarf statuette. - bini /edo - Nigeria (No reserve price)

Court dwarf or king's fool in bronze - Bini - Nigeria - Ife bronzes
Traditional representation of a court dwarf, or the king's fool.

These dwarfs who could approach the king up close occupied a high position at court since they were part of the entourage of the army chiefs.

The king's fool, for example, had a large fan with which he saluted the king when he opened each public event at court.

Traditionally, all the king's fools in Benin were dwarfs.