Plaque with Portuguese Traders and Manillas

Ìgùn Ẹ́rọ̀nwwọ̀n (brass-casting guild) artists

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 342

This is an example of the series of cast brass plaques that historically hung on the wooden pillars of the Benin royal palace. This particular work reflects the association made by the Edo people between the Portuguese, depicted with sharp noses, long hair, and unique dress, and wealth, represented by the brass manillas (coins).

Plaque with Portuguese Traders and Manillas, Ìgùn Ẹ́rọ̀nwwọ̀n (brass-casting guild) artists, Brass, Edo peoples

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Plaque with Portuguese Traders and Manillas, Ìgùn Ẹ́rọ̀nwwọ̀n (brass-casting guild) artists, Brass, Edo peoples
Plaque with Portuguese Traders and Manillas, Ìgùn Ẹ́rọ̀nwwọ̀n (brass-casting guild) artists, Brass, Edo peoples

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