Page 42 - Works of Art from Benin-Nigeria- West Africa

36 Antique Works of Art from Benin.

DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XVIII.

102. 2 feet in diameter and '08 inch in thickness, ornamented
Fig. Brass shield,
with three concentric The outer one a row of
rings. represents leopards,
with human heads and head-dresses alternating. A broad leaf-shaped
sword, similar to Fig. 106, and two execution swords, similar to Fig. 110,
are also on this The middle is ornamented with a
represented ring. ring
with sinuous its tail in its mouth. The inner
serpent body, having ring
is filled with foil ornaments, and small circles cover both this and the outer
There is a hole in the centre for the attachment of the
ring. square
handle. The shield resembles that slung on the left hip of the mounted
79 to 81, Plate XIII, but with diiferent ornamentation.
warrior, Figs.
103. or 5 feet 1 inch with wooden shaft. The blade is
Fig. Iron dart, spear, long,
leaf-shaped with socket, and is rudely forged.
104. 3 feet 7 inches with barbed head and iron shaft.
Fig. Iron dart, long,
105. Iron or short sword, length 16^ inches; the incised ornamentation
Fig. dagger,
is on alternate sides, like those of the Gaboon and other of Africa.
parts
There are also sinuous lines engraved on alternate sides. It is rudely
forged, and the handle is very small and bound with strips of copper.
106. Iron similar in form to those
Fig. leaf-shaped sword, length 19^- inches,
in the hands of warriors on the It is
frequently represented plaques.
rudely forged. The wooden handle is inlaid with copper.
Fig. 107. Iron leaf-shaped sword, length 19^ inches, with alternating ornamentation
on the sides of the blade, similar to that in the Gaboon
opposite prevailing
and other of Africa. The handle and is bound with
parts is very small,
of iron.
strips
Figs. 108 and 109. Brass implement, resembling a bill-hook. The edge is on the
convex side and the concave side is blunt. It is with five holes and
pierced
engraved with hatchings in Benin style, in which are included two stars, a
cross, and three crocodiles.
Fig. 110. Iron execution sword, 3 feet 1 inch long, hilt and pommel of brass, with
copper inlaid ornamentation. The grip bound with brass wire. It is
the on the convex side. It resembles the swords
single-edged, edge being
engraved on the circular shield, Fig. 102, one on each side of the broad
leaf-shaped sword. This kind of sword is held in the hands of warriors on
two in this
plaques collection, Fig. 254, Plate XXXIII, and Fig. 291,
Plate XXXVIII. It is also seen on the carved cocoa-nut, Fig. 220,
Plate XXX, and elsewhere. It is rudely forged.