Page 69 - Works of Art from Benin-Nigeria- West Africa

Works Art Benin.
58 Antique of from

DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XXIX.

202 and 203. Brass dancing sword or wand, said to be used by virgins iii
Figs.
their dances. The handle is ornamented with two figures, which appear to
be holding some objects. The blade is engraved with guilloche pattern on
both sides.
204 to 209. Three brass swords or wands, said to be used by virgins
Figs. dancing
in their dances. Each handle is ornamented by four rudely cast figures
in their hands, two of which can be identified
back to back, carrying objects
and two or three have swords with ring on pommel.
as birds, leaf-shaped
One has bands of straight line diaper pattern. The blades are ornamented
with guilloche patterns and floral ornaments incised.
210 and 211. Brass sword or wand, said to be used by virgins in their
Figs. dancing
dances. The handle is ornamented with four figures, which are in pairs
back to back. They appear to be holding swords and other objects. The
blade is ornamented on one side with bands of strap-work, and on the other
with a sinuous line of branching leaves (floral guilloche). Straight line
and lines of half-circles are on the stem of the handle.
diaper pattern square
212 and 213. Iron to a broad
Figs. wedge-shaped sword, single-edged, enlarging
end. Ivory handle ; the grip carved in pointed leaves and studded with
lead ; pommel in form of a leopard's head ; the eyes inlaid with lead ;
a band carved as two snakes at bottom. The scabbard worked in
scaly
and red cloth, with human and tortoises
green plush figures alternating.
This is the kind of work in metal on some of the
probably represented
dresses on the The sword belts terminate in tassels of worsted or
plaques.
some other limp material.
214. Iron spear-head, modern, with
Fig. ogee section, similar to those of Benin.
Iron and brass bound shaft.
215 and 216. Iron 4 feet 11 inches, the head an
Figs. spear, length having ogee
section, similar to those used at the present time on the Gaboon and
elsewhere in West Africa. Below the spear-head the shaft is ornamented
with bronze of in two and two
figures leopards places degenerate elephants'
heads and the in a human hand
eyes, proboscis terminating holding a leaf,
as so shown elsewhere. The butt end is cased and bound with
frequently
brass. The shaft is of iron, with a brass baud on the
upper parts.