Magnificent head of Oba - life - Nigeria (No Reserve Price)

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Dimitri André
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Selected by Dimitri André

Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.

Estimate  € 140 - € 170
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Bronze sculpture titled 'Magnifique tête ife Oba' from Nigeria, Ifé culture, provenance Private collection, 24 cm high, 10 cm wide, 1 item, late 20th century, in good condition.

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Description from the seller

The Kingdom of Benin City, in southern Nigeria, was one of the most powerful empires in Africa. The royal city is believed to have been founded by a prince from the neighboring city of Ifé around the 13th century, before encounters with Portuguese colonizers from the 15th century, followed by trade exchanges and attempts at Christianization. Benin City was eventually sacked by the English in 1897. The king of Benin was the Oba, who was glorified through a highly developed court art, including carved leopards made using the lost wax technique and cast in bronze (brass made of copper and lead), which are among the most representative elements. Symbolically, among animals, the leopard occupied the same place as the Oba among his subjects. The Kingdom of Benin is also famous for its bronze heads of Oba, court dwarf sculptures, European soldier sculptures, carved ivory tusks, and especially the bronze plaques. This head is in the old style.

The Kingdom of Benin City, in southern Nigeria, was one of the most powerful empires in Africa. The royal city is believed to have been founded by a prince from the neighboring city of Ifé around the 13th century, before encounters with Portuguese colonizers from the 15th century, followed by trade exchanges and attempts at Christianization. Benin City was eventually sacked by the English in 1897. The king of Benin was the Oba, who was glorified through a highly developed court art, including carved leopards made using the lost wax technique and cast in bronze (brass made of copper and lead), which are among the most representative elements. Symbolically, among animals, the leopard occupied the same place as the Oba among his subjects. The Kingdom of Benin is also famous for its bronze heads of Oba, court dwarf sculptures, European soldier sculptures, carved ivory tusks, and especially the bronze plaques. This head is in the old style.

Details

No. of items
1
Ethnic group/ culture
life
Country of Origin
Nigeria
Period
Late 20th century
Material
Bronze
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Magnificent head of Oba
Height
24 cm
Width
10 cm
Provenance
Private collection
FranceVerified
230
Objects sold
100%
Private

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