Page 76 - Works of Art from Benin-Nigeria- West Africa

64 Antique Works of Art from Benin.

DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XXXII.

237 and 238. Armlet of ornamented with of human
Figs. ivory, representations
heads, birds and animals, carved on the surface, and also of degenerate
elephants' heads, the proboscis, in each case, terminating in a human hand
a branch &c. all of the
holding palm ; horses' heads ; tortoises; leopards, ;
most conventionalized forms. Bands of crotals are carved at each end of
the armlet. The armlet consists of two halves connected by a thin brass
and rivets on one side and on the other
plate copper by copper fastenings.
The is ornamented a floral similar to that on the
plate by guilloche pattern,
central band of 209 and 211, and elsewhere.
Fig. 140, on the wands, Figs.
"
This is Messrs. Read and Dalton in the Journ.
pattern figured by Anthrop.
Inst.," Vol. XXVII, Plate XXII. The carved figures represented on this
armlet are of much rudeness than those on the bronze
ivory greater objects
Much weathered and old.
generally. probably very
239. brass face on one side
Fig. Quadrangular bell, with a degenerate ; the eyes of
the face are converted into
loops.
240. brass
Fig. Quadrangular bell. The loops on one side are evidently derived
from the face on 239.
degenerate Fig.
241. Brass
Fig. bracelet, consisting of human heads linked together. One of the
heads has
projections ornamented with concentric circles.
242. Necklet of
Fig. cylindrical coral beads, four of which are ornamented with
straight line diaper pattern. One of the beads is ornamented with a
guilloche pattern, with pellets inlaid with lead.
243. Brass
Fig. bracelet, of peculiar form, ornamented with small circular punch-
marks.
244. Brass
Fig. bracelet, with clusters of rows of circular knobs or shells.
245. Brass
Fig. bracelet, with six quadrangular knobs having red agate inlaid ;
similar to
Fig. 38, Plate VII.