A brass "Altar of the Hand" - Ikegobo - Nigeria, lost-wax cast in brass. cylindrical in form with the seated central figure of an Oba (king) on top wearing beaded coral regalia and holding two downturned swords, flanked by two chiefs, the Oba appears twice on the cylinder, now standing and again flanked by the two chiefs, with another dignitary or official between each of the two groups, at the bottom edge of the altar is a looped ribbon; oxidations and remnants of laterith encrustration. Brass ikegobo were reserved for the Oba (king), the Queen Mother (Iyoba), and high-ranking chiefs, while others used wood or terracotta. Without thermoluminescence test, the piece remains subject to authentication. The attribution and datation is given based on our knowledge in the field. Ikẹgobọ are placed on ancestral altars. Typically, the Ọba, Iy’Ọba and certain privileged chiefs may use cast forms, whereas chiefs use wooden ones (Dean, 1983). Altars of the hand are cylindrical, the outer sides decorated with relief carving. They are sometimes topped with sculptural elements, elephant tusks or antelope horns, and wooden altars are topped with a conical projection which mimics a tusk. Worship of the hand is important in Edo belief; the hand relates to an individual’s success with different skills, qualities or characteristics, such as craftsmanship, hunting or warcraft. Chief Jacob Egharevba (1949, pp.88-89) worship of the ‘god of the hand’ emerged during the fifteenth century, during the reign of Ọba Ewaure I. What is less certain is whether altars of the hand also emerged at this time, or were a later development. Today, Ikẹgobọ continue to be used on altars by individuals who have high-ranking positions within the palace societies." Digital Benin "In the kingdom of Benin, ikegobo, or "altars to the hand," celebrate the accomplishments of exceptional individuals. The hand is associated with action and productivity, and is considered the source of wealth, status, and success for all those who depend on manual skill and physical strength. Altars of this kind are commissioned in terracotta, wood, or brass, depending on the status of the patron. "This ikegobo is an important historical document associated with the reign of Akenzua I. In the early eighteenth century, rebellious chiefs challenged Akenzua's leadership and threatened the unity and stability of the kingdom. Ehenua, Akenzua's ezomo or military commander, played a central role in defeating these forces and restoring order to the kingdom. In recognition of his heroism and service, Akenzua presented Ehenua with an ikegobo illustrating his military triumph. Lit.: British Museum, Benin. Könige und Rituale. Höfische Kunst aus Nigeria, Wien 2007. CA31695