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Pendant Mask: Iyoba, 16th century
Edo, court of Benin; Nigeria
Ivory, iron, copper; H. 9 3/8 in. (23.8 cm)
The Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Collection, Gift of Nelson A. Rockefeller, 1972 (1978.412.323)
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Description
The royal dynasty of Benin, in contemporary Nigeria, can trace its origins back six hundred years. This extremely fine carved ivory pendant was probably part of the ceremonial dress of King Esigie, who reigned in the early sixteenth century. Throughout their history, Benin kings have commissioned works of art that mark the rank and status of members of the court. This pendant is thought to be a portrait of Queen Idia, mother of King Esigie, and is a tribute to her role as valued counselor to the king.
Queen Idia's features are softly modeled and hauntingly serene. An intricate border frames her face; it is made up of alternating images of mudfish and heads of Portuguese merchants. Both are symbols of royal power. The mudfish, which can survive both in water and on land, symbolize the ability to exist in two worlds. The king is also of two worlds because, according to Benin belief, he is both human and divine. The Portuguese merchants symbolize the kingdom's wealth, which was acquired through trade with the Europeans. The combination of these two images points to the spiritual and material nature of the king's power.
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