African Art at the
Ralph Proctor Gallery"From the Realm of the Blacksmith"
Benin Queen Mother
- country: Nigeria
- ethnic group: Benin (Yoruba)
- medium: cast brass/bronze
- size: 14" H x 6" W x 8" D
- price: $2,500.
This head represents the mother of the Benin king (Oba). She enjoyed a special status in the royal court. The bands around her neck represent the pink coral collar bands that were part of her royal regalia. The hat was also decorated with coral beads. On top of the head is a hole for the insertion of a carved elephant tusk. Such items were placed on altars to honor the queen Mother. This is a twentieth century casting.