Staff showing a military commander on horseback

Every aspect of this artwork speaks of luxury.  The finely dressed figure is riding a horse--an animal that was expensive and difficult to maintain in Benin's tropical climate.  The carefully worked passages on his clothing and headgear give a sense of the heavy beadwork and layers of rich cloth that make up his ensemble.  Many students of Benin history believe that a figure wearing this particular type of headgear is the highest military commander (Iyase) of Benin’s army, who often acquired great riches in his appointed role. Although ivory is now considered a precious material, it was readily available in the 17th and 18th centuries in Benin, but its use was restricted by the Oba, or king.  During this period, the Oba gave high-ranking courtiers permission to commission ivory ornaments and staffs like this one from the royal ivory carvers' guild.  Similar to more common bronze staffs with the bird of prophesy, this staff was once carried and struck during the annual Ugie Oro celebration, which commemorates Oba Esigie's success over the Idah in 1517.