Page 50 - Works of Art from Benin-Nigeria- West Africa

44 Antique Works of Art from Benin.

DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XXII.

128. Armlet of brass, without other metal. Ornamented with four
Fig. entirely
and four horizontal heads. The have
upright figures upright figures
their forearms elevated. The are attenuated and the skirt
legs very
of the dress and the
very pronounced. Eyebrows extremely prominent,
head-dress of form and conical. The armlet is surmounted
peculiar by
raised bands, which pass over the figures, and are separated by pierced
work. Broad rims are shown at top and bottom, and are edged with
herring-bone pattern.
129. -Bronze human to
Fig. plaque, representing figure with beard, riding right;
a ranseur of the sixteenth or seventeenth century in right hand, point
downwards. Hair combed out straight. No tribal marks. Bodice
fastened with buttons. Pleated kilt like 235 and
Figs. 236, Plate XXXI,
and Fig. 247, Plate XXXII. Twisted or plaited bridle of some limp sub-
stance in left hand. Bell and crotals on horse's neck. Leopards in relief
behind of horse. Ground ornamented with trefoil leaves and
figure punch-
marks. This does not to be The horse to be
figure appear negro. appears
which is not the usual Benin method of locomotion.
galloping,
130. Bronze two warriors with leaf-
Fig. plaque, representing long, narrow,
shaped swords upheld in right hands. Peculiar head-dress, a broad band
on the frontal. Hair in the middle and down behind.
parted hanging
One has a beard. Both have bows
figure objects resembling slung upon
left arm. teeth necklaces and bells
Leopards' quadrangular hanging
from necks. Ground ornamented with foil ornaments
leaf-shaped
incised.
131. Bronze five a staff
Fig. plaque, representing figures ; central figure holding
of unusual form in hand
right ; coral choker ; oval head-dress ; small bells
attached to straps hanging down from girdle ; anklets and armlets, the
former adorned with crotals ; left hand on handle of sword in scabbard on
left side. Small on each side with the in a sheath.
figures javelins, points
The attendants on each side shields over the central
larger holding figxire,
as described by De Bry in the seventeenth century. All the attendants
have a bag on right side, strapped over shoulder. One of the smaller
attendants has a broad sword in it
leaf-shaped upheld right hand, holding
by the ring attached to the pommel.