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Head of an Oba (King), 19th century
Nigeria; Edo peoples, court of Benin
Brass, iron; H. 18 in. (45.7 cm)
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Klaus G. Perls, 1991 (1991.17.3)

This example of a brass casting of a Benin head may date to the mid-nineteenth century. The extreme degree of stylization, swollen cheeks and enlarged eyes, the size of the flange at the base, the weight of the casting, and the winglike projections attached to the crowns are characteristic of brass casting during this later period of Benin royal court.


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  • Head of an Oba (King), 19th century
    Nigeria; Edo peoples, court of Benin
    Brass, iron; H. 18 in. (45.7 cm)
    Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Klaus G. Perls, 1991 (1991.17.3)