Commemorative head
Royal Bronze-casting Guild (Igun Eronmwon)
Artist Unidentified
late 15th–early 16th century
Object PlaceNigeria
Medium/TechniqueCopper alloy, iron
DimensionsLength x width: 20.3 x 15.9 cm (8 x 6 1/4 in.)
Credit LineRobert Owen Lehman Collection
Accession number2012.250
On View
On viewClassificationsSculpture
Collections
NOTE: Included in the exhibitions "African Sculpture from the Collection of Jay C. Leff" (Museum of Primitive Art, New York. November 25, 1964 – February 7, 1965), cat. no. 71 and "The Art of Black Africa: Collection Jay C. Leff" (Carnegie Institute, Pittsburgh, October 24, 1969 –January 18, 1970), cat. no. 186.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Although the early provenance of this object is not recorded, it is likely that British forces looted it from the Royal Palace in Benin City in 1897. At that time troops occupied the city and seized approximately 4,000 works of art; these objects then made their way to European collectors, dealers, and museums. It is also possible that it left Benin City at a later date or by other means that have not been documented.
Royal Bronze-casting Guild (Igun Eronmwon)
18th–19th century
Royal Bronze-casting Guild (Igun Eronmwon)
17th–early 18th century
