Idiophone with an áhianmwọ́rọ̀ (bird of prophecy)
The bird perched with outstretched wings on the finials of the instruments sounded on the occasions of Ugie Oro court festivals is usually called the "bird of prophecy" (ahianmwen-oro) and sometimes the "messenger of god" (odibosa). Beginning with the reign of King Esigie in the sixteenth century, the sounding of clappers depicting the bird of prophecy at Ugie Oro court ceremonies was regarded as a sign that the kings of Benin were endowed with the power to alter history.
Artwork Details
- Title: Idiophone with an áhianmwọ́rọ̀ (bird of prophecy)
- Artist: Ìgùn Ẹ́rọ̀nwwọ̀n (brass-casting guild) artists
- Date: 16th century
- Geography: Nigeria, Court of Benin
- Culture: Edo peoples
- Medium: Brass
- Dimensions: H. 14 1/4 × W. 5 5/8 × D. 6 in. (36.2 × 14.3 × 15.2 cm)
- Classification: Metal-Musical Instruments
- Credit Line: The Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Collection, Bequest of Nelson A. Rockefeller, 1979
- Object Number: 1979.206.21
- Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing
More Artwork
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Ìgùn Ẹ́rọ̀nwwọ̀n (brass-casting guild) artists
Early 15th–mid-16th century
Ìgùn Ẹ́rọ̀nwwọ̀n (brass-casting guild) artists
ca. 1540–70
Ìgùn Ẹ́rọ̀nwwọ̀n (brass-casting guild) artists
ca. 1540–70
Ìgùn Ẹ́rọ̀nwwọ̀n (brass-casting guild) artists
ca. 1540–70
Ìgùn Ẹ́rọ̀nwwọ̀n (brass-casting guild) artists
18th–19th century
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