Page 34 - Works of Art from Benin-Nigeria- West Africa

28 Antique Worries of Art from Benin.

DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XIV.

82 and 83. Well-formed bronze head of a Reticulated head-dress
Figs. negress.
of agate or coral. Coral necklace. Pendant of agate on centre of forehead.
The of the inlaid with iron. The has
pupils eyes apparently upper lip
been inlaid with brass. Eleven bands of coral or from
probably agate hang
the head-dress on each side. Well-formed ears. This and 88 and 89,
Figs.
Plate XV, and 98 and 99, Plate XVII, are the best formed heads in
Figs.
the collection.
Figs. 84 and 85. Bronze figure firing a gun, probably representing an European,
with beard, presenting a flint-lock gun. The barrel of the gun is broken
oif at the left hand. European morion of the sixteenth century on head,
ornamented with interlaced work. Sword or cutlass with
strap- European
guard and a flint-lock pistol slung on left side. On the right side, a dagger.
Armour ornamented with work or interlaced work. On the
strap- pedestal
are two flint-lock a cross-bow, a
represented pistols, three-pronged spear,
two figures holding guns and interlaced strap-work.