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Regalia and Court Ornaments

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The Oba, or king, of Benin is served by legions of courtiers. Like any royal court, each man serving the king has a specific duty, title, and corresponding rank. A courtier's jewelry, personal ornaments, and regalia are an external sign of his place in the kingdom. This tour will introduce you to the fine artworks once used by individual members of the Benin court.

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Pendant showing an Oba (King) and two dignitaries
Royal Bronze-casting Guild (Igun Eronmwon)
18th–19th century
Hip ornament showing a leopard
Royal Ivory-workers Guild (Igbesanmwan)
17th century
Pendant with a Queen Mother (Iyoba) playing a gong
Royal Ivory-workers Guild (Igbesanmwan)
late 17th–early 18th century
Royal double gong
Royal Bronze-casting Guild (Igun Eronmwon)
17th century
Pendant showing an Oba (King) and two dignitaries
Royal Bronze-casting Guild (Igun Eronmwon)
17th–early 18th century
Hip ornament showing a ram
Royal Bronze-casting Guild (Igun Eronmwon)
18th century
Pendant of a Portuguese horseman
Royal Bronze-casting Guild (Igun Eronmwon)
16th century
Staff showing a military commander on horseback
Royal Ivory-workers Guild (Igbesanmwan)
18th century
Staff showing a bird of prophesy
Royal Bronze-casting Guild (Igun Eronmwon)
19th century
Game piece
Royal Bronze-casting Guild (Igun Eronmwon)
16th–17th century