This large, standing figure of an Oba (king) is
dressed in full ceremonial costume. He wears a
long, lacy dress simulating coral with many
necklaces draped around the chest and hanging
low to the level of the knees. In his right hand,
he holds a ceremonial fan-shaped eben, which
the chiefs raise up to show their allegiance to
their ancestors. Around his neck is a high collar
worn by kings and queen mothers. His crown is
an elaborate arrangement of projections with a
central “spoke” and two flanges on either side.
Such sculptures as this once would have been
placed on the Oba’s ancestral altar to glorify
Benin’s royal past.
- (PF.5363)
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