Page 61 - Works of Art from Benin-Nigeria- West Africa

Works Art Benin.
Antique of from

DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XXVI.

of a woman the arms deficient ;
164 and 165. Carved ivory figure (?) standing,
Fige.
and were fastened by
sockets on each side,
They were fitted into square
one of which remains. A row of five leopards' heads
large bronze nails,
with rows of or perhaps eyelets,
hanging from the waist-belt, edged pellets,
but much defaced. The lips are very thick and the nose broad. The
of the are represented by deep circular cavities. No tribal
pupils eyes
marks apparent, the breasts are not large, but pendant. The whole of the
much weathered and the legs and base.
ivory is very pitted, especially
The was another of the same size exactly like it and
figure accompanied by
without arms, which was not purchased.
166. Coral or whisk, probably a badge of ofiice. Four tags, two of which
Fig. whip
are ornamented with crocodiles embroidered with metal.
167 and 168. carved tusk, 3 feet 6 inches long from bottom to point.
Figs. Ivory
Band at bottom with reticulated or square-shaped ornament, probably
derived from interlacing bands. Commencing from the bottom, the
ornamentation consists of: A coiled serpent, tail in mouth. Leopard's
head and human head. Human figures standing, one having a cross on
breast, and a key or axe-shaped object in left hand similar to the bronze
90 and 91, Plate XV; staff in hand.
figure, Figs. right Figure holding
sash round waist. Elephant's head with tusks, proboscis terminating in a
human hand. Human with in left hand, shield in hand.
figure spear right
Bird standing on pedestal. Human figure upholding broad leaf-shaped
sword in hand ; bell on neck on of head ; feather in
right ; pedestal top
Human
cap. figure.
169.
Fig. Ivory ring, carved, with 3 birds.
170. rudely carved, with of and
Fig. Ivory bracelet, representations leopards'
heads and the of the mud-fish.
elephants' perhaps vestiges
Fig. 171. Carved ivory bracelet, representing a snake, the eyes inlaid.
172 and 173. With of of an
Figs. Ivory bell, or rattle. clapper ivory, consisting
tusk with human head carved
elephant's point, ; tribal marks over eyes.