Description:

Head of an oba (king), from the Edo people of Benin, West Africa, mid to late 16th century. When each oba died, a shrine was made in his memory. Brass heads like this one were placed on the shrine, alongside ivory tusks amd other items. All the objects in the oba’s palace were removed by a British naval expedition in 1898. Benin came under British control and the Oba was sent into exile.

Creator: Edo

Date: mid to late 16th century

Copyright: Copyright BCC Museum

Object ID:Ea 7821