Benin bronze figure

Depicts an Oba guard brandishing a spear and the ceremonial sword.

Before the destruction of the Benin kingdom in 1897, the divine character of the kings was illustrated by multiple works celebrating their power. Sumptuous bronze altars, commemorative figures of deceased chiefs, heavy bracelets, anklets and decades were produced in numerous foundry workshops using lost wax casting technique. The numerous brass heads and statues created by Benin artists were reserved for the exclusive use of the inhabitants of the royal palace.