Page 48 - Works of Art from Benin-Nigeria- West Africa

42 Antique Works of Art from Benin.

DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XXI.

121. Head-dress of It serves to the construc-
Fig. composed entirely agate. explain
tion of the head-dresses on the bronze plaques and figures, showing how the
reticulated effect on the plaques is formed by beads of agate strung together
in a kind of network. The rosettes of agate, and the tags and pendants are
also explained by this figure. See Figs. 2, 4, 43, 44, 82, 83, 86, 87, 94, 95,
96, 97, 100, 101, 119, 120, 124, 125, 126, 127, 232-234, 277, 278, &c.
122 and 123. Circular brass box, ornamented on the with a central
Figs. top figure
in repousse work, holding two crocodiles upright in each hand. The legs
terminate in a band turned up on each side as shown in other designs in
Benin art. There are also circular heads having tribal marks over the eyes.
Rosettes, guilloche and fish-scale patterns are also represented in repousse*.
The of the box are rivetted with bands of This
pieces together copper.
to be the kind of box in the hands of one of the smaller
appears represented
in the plaque, Fig. 179, Plate XXVII.
figures The latter, however, is taller.
These have been described Mr. C. Read as drums in his
objects by paper
"
in the Journ. Viewed
Anthrop. Inst," Vol. XXVII, Plate XVIII, Fig. 4.
as a drum, the at and bottom are not
projecting flanges top explained.
124 and 125. Human mask of brass ; the of the inlaid with iron.
Figs. pupils eyes
Reticulated head-dress, with rosettes probably of agate. Three tribal
marks over each Rows of semi-circles filled with semi-circles round
eye.
neck. The features are rounded, and, although a good deal tooled, are less
flattened than some of these masks. This is a of
by filing good specimen
Benin art.
Figs. 126 and 127. Human mask of brass ; the pupils of the eyes inlaid with iron.
Reticulated head-dress, with rosettes of Coral band above
probably agate.
the forehead. Three tribal marks over each Ears formed.
eye. badly
Coral choker, badge of rank. Guilloche with round neck.
pattern, pellets
The face is much tooled and filed, and the and nose flattened
very lips by
Crotals have been from the
filing. probably suspended eyelets below, as
indicated the links of chains left Plate XIX,
by eight remaining (see
Fig. 112).