Page 56 - Works of Art from Benin-Nigeria- West Africa

Works Art Benin.
48 Antique of from

DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XXIV.

142. Bronze with six projecting eyelets round the neck,
Fig. open-mouthed vessel,
and a handle.
143 and 144. Bronze or brass of cock, 22 inches high, including
Figs. figure
The feathers are in and curved lines of
pedestal. represented straight
The of the are inlaid of
hatchings. pupils eyes copper, lozenge-shaped
form. The tarsus is unnaturally broad. On the top of the pedestal in
front is a Maltese cross, with a band of interlaced strap-work. The sides
of the base are ornamented with interlaced strap-work, and represen-
tations of three ox's heads are on the front. A fine specimen of barbaric
art.
145 and 146. Human naked of bronze. A thick covers
Figs. figure large plaster
the whole of the back, and is fastened on with cords round the arms and
Mr. H. Roth believes this to
legs. Ling represent a cure for cretinism,
and that two like it have been seen in Benin
says larger figures city.
("Reliquary," Vol. IV, 1898, p. 173.)
Figs. 147 and 148. Two bronze female figures back to back, with one hat, being the
handle of one of the swords or wands 202 to 211, Plate
(see Figs. XXIX),
used in their dances. There is a iron the
by virgins large pin right through
casting.
149 and 150. Bronze head of Three tribal marks incised over each
Figs. girl. eye ;
of of
pupils eyes iron, inlaid ; necklace of agate or coral.
Figs. 151 and 152. Brass vessel, resembling a coffee pot. A human figure sitting in
front, out of the mouth of which the The handle at back
spout emerges.
represents a sinuous snake with the head downwards, like that of Fig. 46,
Plate VIII. Bands of fish-scale
pattern surround the vessel.