Page 100 - Works of Art from Benin-Nigeria- West Africa

Works Art from Benin.
84 Antique of

DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XLIL

320 and 321. Wooden bird resembling a turkey. The inlaying of the eyes has
Figs.
disappeared ; the feathers are conventionally represented by carved squares
and lines of herring-bone pattern. On the top is a rudely-cut vertical pro-
5 inches and inches broad, the of which is unknown ;
jection high 2| meaning
on each side of the bird, a broad band inches broad,
and from it hangs 3^
carved with four rows of herring-bone pattern, the meaning of which is also
unknown. The front of the base is ornamented with a guilloche pattern of
four strands.
322. Circular brass fan, thickness of metal, '02 inch ; ornamented with bands
Fig.
of guilloche pattern, herring-bone, and straight line diaper patterns. The
handle is riveted to the fan.
323. Fan of hide. The of leather resembles that of the brass fan,
Fig. sewing
Fig. 322, Plate XLIL
324 and 325. Bronze of three human the front
Figs. group figures, figure kneeling,
the hands in an attitude of The upper part naked, the lower part
prayer.
covered by a pleated kilt or skirt, similar to Figs. 129, 235, 236, and 247.
The corners of the eyes ornamented with a raised barbed figure. A belt of
two round the waist with two in one of which two
ropes loops behind, hang
links of a chain. This is attended behind two short stand-
figure by figures
and armed with swords in sheaths. Coral necklaces and anklets. Three
ing
tribal marks incised over each On the are three
eye. ground decapitated
human heads, face upwards, and a dog. The base is ornamented with coiled
figures.
326 and 327. Broad iron sword, similar to
Figs. leaf-shaped Figs. 328 and 329,
Plate XLIII. The handle enclosed in a of metal, 7 inches in
large ring
diameter. The blade, which is - 08 inch in thickness, is perforated by a
pattern of holes.