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HOME :
Decorative Arts :
African Sculptures : Benin Style Ivory Hip Ornament
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Benin Style Ivory Hip Ornament - PF.5364
Origin: West Africa
Circa: 20
th
Century AD
Dimensions:
8.75" (22.2cm) high
x 3.75" (9.5cm) wide
Collection: Decorative Arts
Medium: Ivory
$6,000.00
Location: United States
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| Description |
Benin hip ornaments in brass or ivory adhere to
certain formal stylistic details, such as seen on
this handsome mask. The finely carved face is a
study in composure and authority befitting a
chief. His headdress is composed of a pattern of
concentric circles with a crenulated edge
intersected by holes. A decorative flange
surrounds the face in a flowing design of
intertwining strands, with small holes in the
center and on the sides. Beneath the chin is a
series of three horizontal bands of small
rectangles resembling a collar of coral beads. All
these attributes are associated with hip
ornaments worn by chiefs. On the forehead are
two groups of four short vertical lines on either
side of a central broad band representing keloid
scarification known as ikharo (meaning “tribal
marks”). Of particular interest is a face on the
reverse created by incised lines in an abstract
form with a tongue depicted in low relief. During
important ceremonies chiefs and titleholders
wear the ornament on the left hip covering the
closure of their wrapped skirts. They are
symbols of power, wealth and a testimony to the
artistic skills of Benin artists.
- (PF.5364)
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