{"title":"Benin Art","description":"\u003cp\u003eVintage Benin cast bronze and brass pieces from the Edo court tradition of Nigeria, including relief plaques of the Oba and his attendants, warrior and court figures, a queen figure and a face mask pendant. Free shipping within the US.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"vintage-benin-brass-queen-figure-26-5-gilded-edo-west-african-statue","title":"Vintage Benin Brass Queen Figure 26.5\" Gilded Edo West African Statue","description":"\u003cp\u003eOverview\u003cbr\u003eStanding at 26.5 inches tall, this elegant West African brass sculpture portrays a royal Edo queen mother (Iyoba) or court noblewoman in full ceremonial splendor. The figure features a tall, slender silhouette styled with multi-strand layered neck beads, an intricate arched braid coiffure, and a deeply textured column robe embellished with an antiqued gold gilt finish. Its elongated proportions and radiant metallic surface make it a statement piece for Global Eclectic, Mid-Century Modern, Hollywood Regency, or contemporary curated interiors—ideal for styling on a console table, pedestal, or entryway mantle.\u003cbr\u003eCultural \u0026amp; Artistic Background\u003cbr\u003eHandcrafted in the metalworking tradition of the Benin Kingdom (Edo), this sculpture draws upon centuries of West African lost-wax (cire perdue) bronze casting. The iconography pays homage to matriarchal royalty, specifically the honored status of the Iyoba (Queen Mother). The design showcases signature royal court regalia, including heavy coral bead necklaces (odigba), sculpted wrist bangles, and an elaborate arched crown coiffure signifying spiritual authority and elevated lineage.\u003cbr\u003eCondition \u0026amp; Surface Character\u003cbr\u003eThe sculpture exhibits excellent structural integrity, standing firm and stable on an integrated circular pedestal base. The surface displays a warm, hand-applied antiqued gold leaf wash over a dark cast brass body. Subtle areas of natural verdigris oxidation, gentle surface rubbing, and fine casting texture are present throughout, adding authentic vintage depth and character.\u003cbr\u003eDimensions \u0026amp; Weight\u003cbr\u003eHeight: 26.5 inches\u003cbr\u003eWidth\/Diameter: 6.0 inches\u003cbr\u003eDepth: 6.0 inches\u003cbr\u003eWeight Profile: Solid \/ Heavy\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLearn more: \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/news\/benin-bronze-vs-benin-style\"\u003eBenin Bronzes: What Collectors Should Know\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Belle Afrik Arts","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":60049587798302,"sku":"BA-0373","price":550.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1081\/5176\/7326\/files\/886726132_1915816486458017_9129330962186569494_n.jpg?v=1793617287"},{"product_id":"vintage-benin-bronze-seated-court-dignitary-royal-attendant-figure-nigeria-12","title":"Benin Bronze Seated Court Attendant Figure, Nigeria, 12 in","description":"\u003cp\u003eArtifact Identification \u0026amp; Provenance: The Quiet Counselor\u003cbr\u003eThis is a beautifully cast and heavily used VINTAGE Benin Kingdom bronze sculpture depicting a high-ranking court attendant or royal advisor seated on a traditional cylindrical stool. The figure wears the classic crossed bandolier, wrapper tied at the waist, elaborate braided coiffure with side plume, and coral-bead necklace and bracelets – all unmistakable markers of elite status in the Benin court hierarchy.\u003cbr\u003eThe deep chocolate-brown patina with golden-bronze highlights, areas of ritual libation encrustation, and light ceremonial wear testify to decades of shrine or palace use. The figure’s serene expression and gesture (one hand resting on knee, the other originally holding a now-missing staff or flywhisk) are typical of the “quiet counselor” figures that flanked the Oba’s throne or stood on ancestral altars.\u003cbr\u003eDocumented Provenance\u003cbr\u003e• 1992 – 2000: Jean-Claude François collection, Lomé, Togo\u003cbr\u003e• 2000 – 2025: Jerald Barnes collection, Atlanta, Georgia, USA\u003cbr\u003e• 2025 – Present: Bennett Antwi collection, Virginia, USA\u003cbr\u003eIconography and High-Value Features\u003cbr\u003e• Classic Benin high-status crossed bandolier and coral-style beaded jewelry\u003cbr\u003e• Finely detailed braided hairstyle with side plume\u003cbr\u003e• Seated on traditional Benin cylindrical stool with incised decoration\u003cbr\u003e• Layered patina from decades of handling and libations\u003cbr\u003e• Powerful, dignified facial expression and posture\u003cbr\u003e• Perfect size for altar or palace display\u003cbr\u003eFunction and Cultural Context\u003cbr\u003eIn the Benin Kingdom, bronze figures of this type were cast by royal guild artists for the Oba’s palace or for high chiefs to place on ancestral altars. They represent specific titled officials or deified ancestors who continue to advise and protect the living king and kingdom. The serene, attentive pose embodies wisdom, loyalty, and eternal service to the crown.\u003cbr\u003eItem Specifications\u003cbr\u003e• Culture\/Origin: Kingdom of Benin (Edo), Nigeria\u003cbr\u003e• Type: VINTAGE Cast Bronze Court Dignitary \/ Ancestral Figure\u003cbr\u003e• Materials: Lost-wax cast bronze\u003cbr\u003e• Dimensions: 12\" H × 7\" W × 7\" D\u003cbr\u003e• Weight: approx. 9.5 lbs – very dense and heavy\u003cbr\u003e• Condition: Excellent VINTAGE used condition. Rich natural patina throughout, light ritual encrustation, stable old casting flaw on lower back (visible in photos), no repairs or modern cleaning. Original staff\/flywhisk now missing (common with age).\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLearn more: \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/news\/benin-bronze-vs-benin-style\"\u003eBenin Bronzes: What Collectors Should Know\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Belle Afrik Arts","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":60049624039710,"sku":"BA-0854","price":790.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1081\/5176\/7326\/files\/885833061_870871402755294_586971181748212034_n.jpg?v=1793533993"},{"product_id":"vintage-african-cast-bronze-relief-plaque-benin-court-warriors-16","title":"Benin Court Warriors Relief Plaque, Cast Bronze, 16 in","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA square cast bronze relief plaque in the Benin court tradition, 16 inches on each side. Three standing warriors are cast side by side in high relief, projecting up to 3.5 inches. Each wears a studded helmet and armor and holds a spear and dagger. The background is covered in punched stippling and four-petal leaf motifs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBackground\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBronze plaques were among the most important works made for the Oba of Benin. In the 16th and 17th centuries, hundreds were fixed to the wooden pillars of the royal palace in Benin City. They showed the Oba, his chiefs, warriors, musicians and foreign visitors. Together they formed a visual record of court life and ceremony.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWarriors and chiefs were frequent subjects. The stippled background and four-petal leaf motifs are typical of the plaque tradition; the leaves are river leaves (ebe-amẹn), used by priestesses of Olokun in healing rites. Casters of the royal guild, the Igun Eronmwon, still work in Benin City and continue to cast plaques in this style.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCondition\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAge unknown: we can't confirm exactly when this piece was cast. Good vintage condition with a dark bronze patina. Earthy oxidation, some casting residue in the deep recesses, and rough, uneven edges from the lost-wax casting. Please see all photos.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDimensions \u0026amp; Weight\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e16 x 16 x 3.5 inches (40.6 x 40.6 x 8.9 cm).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eShipping\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFree standard shipping within the US, packed securely.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLearn more: \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/news\/benin-bronze-vs-benin-style\"\u003eBenin Bronzes: What Collectors Should Know\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Belle Afrik Arts","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":60049625874718,"sku":"BA-0884","price":1200.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1081\/5176\/7326\/files\/WhatsApp_Image_2026-10-29_at_12.41.04_1.jpg?v=1793292220"},{"product_id":"vintage-large-african-cast-bronze-figure-benin-court-warrior-statue-24","title":"Benin Court Warrior Figure, Cast Bronze, 24 in","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA cast bronze standing figure in the Benin court tradition, 24 inches tall. It shows a court official or warrior in a brimmed helmet with openwork lattice. A cross-shaped pendant hangs from a beaded collar. He wears a wrapper skirt covered in chiseled scroll and cross-hatched patterns and holds a weapon or staff of office in each hand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBackground\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Kingdom of Benin, in what is now southern Nigeria, was ruled by the Oba, whose court supported a guild of bronze casters, the Igun Eronmwon. Working for the Oba, they cast heads, figures and plaques by the lost-wax method. Their work recorded royal history, court ranks and ceremonies. The guild still works on Igun Street in Benin City today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePortuguese traders reached Benin in the 15th century, and European figures and objects began to appear in court art. Cross-shaped pendants like this one appear on Benin figures of court officials. In 1897 British forces took thousands of palace works, and many are now in museums around the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCondition\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAge unknown: we can't confirm exactly when this piece was cast. Good vintage condition with a dark bronze patina and green verdigris in the recesses. Lost-wax casting leaves natural surface variations and pitting. There is an existing opening at the top of the helmet from casting or age. Please see all photos.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDimensions \u0026amp; Weight\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e24 x 8.5 x 5 inches (61 x 21.6 x 12.7 cm).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eShipping\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFree standard shipping within the US, packed securely.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLearn more: \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/news\/benin-bronze-vs-benin-style\"\u003eBenin Bronzes: What Collectors Should Know\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Belle Afrik Arts","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":60049625907486,"sku":"BA-0885","price":1500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1081\/5176\/7326\/files\/8C97BB7B-57EB-4C63-89AD-69C3840A1804.jpg?v=1793248775"},{"product_id":"huge-22-benin-bronze-plaque-oba-with-mudfish-legs-african-wall-art-nigeria","title":"Benin Bronze Plaque, Oba with Mudfish Legs, Nigeria, 22 in","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA large cast bronze wall plaque in the Benin court tradition, 22 inches tall. The shield-shaped plaque has open cut-outs and a thick braided border. At the center stands an Oba whose legs turn into mudfish. Two attendants hold up his arms. All three wear tall crowns topped with cross-shaped finials and coral-bead regalia, cast in high relief.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBackground\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Oba with mudfish legs is one of the best-known images in Benin art. The mudfish can live both in water and on land, so it stands for the Oba's place between the human world and the spirit world. It also links him to Olokun, god of the sea, wealth and the waters. One tradition also links the image to Oba Ohen, who is said to have lost the use of his legs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe two attendants supporting the king's arms are also a long-standing Benin theme. Chiefs held up the Oba's arms in ceremonies, a sign that his power rested on the support of his court. Coral beads, restricted by the Oba, were among the most important royal regalia and are still worn at court today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCondition\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAge unknown: we can't confirm exactly when this piece was cast. Vintage condition with a dark patina and lighter brass highlights on raised areas. Lost-wax casting leaves rough edges, minor pitting and texture variations. The back is hollow from casting. The plaque is heavy and structurally solid. Please see all photos.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDimensions \u0026amp; Weight\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e22 x 17 x 3 inches (H x W x relief depth).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eShipping\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFree standard shipping within the US, packed securely.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLearn more: \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/news\/benin-bronze-vs-benin-style\"\u003eBenin Bronzes: What Collectors Should Know\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Belle Afrik Arts","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":60049645928734,"sku":"BA-1188","price":1500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1081\/5176\/7326\/files\/877585036_1536715694885750_4034456279161215347_n.webp?v=1793502901"},{"product_id":"vintage-14-benin-bronze-plaque-royal-court-figure-nigerian-african-wall-art","title":"Benin Bronze Plaque, Royal Court Figure, Nigeria, 14 in","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA cast bronze wall plaque in the Benin court tradition, 14 inches tall and 12 inches wide. A single court figure stands in high relief. The figure wears a headdress, a patterned wrapper and beaded jewelry, and holds a cylindrical object. The background is stippled and incised with leaf motifs, with a raised rosette in each corner. The raised areas are polished to a warm golden tone against the darker ground. Two holes in the top margin allow wall hanging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBackground\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis plaque follows the format of the rectangular bronze plaques that covered the wooden pillars of the Oba's palace in Benin City in the 16th and 17th centuries. Single figures of court officials, attendants and musicians were common subjects. Each plaque recorded a role at court, so together they worked as a picture of the kingdom's order.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe leaf motifs on many Benin plaque backgrounds are river leaves (ebe-amẹn), used by priestesses of Olokun, god of the sea and wealth, in healing rites. Raised rosettes in the corners are a common feature of the plaques. Casters of the royal guild, the Igun Eronmwon, still work on Igun Street in Benin City and continue to cast plaques in this format.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCondition\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAge unknown: we can't confirm exactly when this piece was cast. Vintage condition with a dark patina and golden highlights on the raised areas. Rough and uneven edges, minor pitting and texture variations from lost-wax casting. Heavy and structurally solid. Please see all photos.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDimensions \u0026amp; Weight\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e14 x 12 x 2 inches (H x W x relief depth).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eShipping\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFree standard shipping within the US, packed securely.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLearn more: \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/news\/benin-bronze-vs-benin-style\"\u003eBenin Bronzes: What Collectors Should Know\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Belle Afrik Arts","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":60049645961502,"sku":"BA-1189","price":1200.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1081\/5176\/7326\/files\/886725940_3655053014644277_3940717841317443987_n.jpg?v=1793557494"},{"product_id":"vintage-benin-bronze-relief-plaque-oba-attendants-nigerian-african-art-14","title":"Benin Bronze Plaque, Oba and Attendants, Nigeria, 14 in","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA cast bronze wall plaque in the Benin court tradition, 14 inches tall and 12 inches wide. At the center stands the Oba in a coral-bead crown and regalia, larger than the figures around him. Two attendants or chiefs flank him with staffs and swords. Below them, two smaller figures include a musician blowing a side-blown horn. The figures project up to 2 inches from a stippled background with leaf motifs. Three holes in the top margin allow wall hanging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBackground\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Benin court art, size shows rank: the Oba is always the largest figure, his chiefs smaller, and attendants and musicians smallest of all. This scene of the king surrounded by his court was one of the main subjects of the bronze plaques that covered the palace pillars in Benin City in the 16th and 17th centuries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Oba was both a political ruler and a sacred figure, and his appearances in public were marked by music and ceremony. Musicians accompanied him, and chiefs supported his arms in ceremonies. The coral beads he wears were among the most important royal regalia, and the Oba of Benin still wears them for ceremonies today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCondition\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAge unknown: we can't confirm exactly when this piece was cast. Vintage condition with a dark patina and some green verdigris in the recesses. Rough edges, minor pitting and texture variations from lost-wax casting, and a naturally uneven bottom edge. Heavy and structurally solid. Please see all photos.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDimensions \u0026amp; Weight\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e14 x 12 x 2 inches (H x W x relief depth).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eShipping\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFree standard shipping within the US, packed securely.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLearn more: \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/news\/benin-bronze-vs-benin-style\"\u003eBenin Bronzes: What Collectors Should Know\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Belle Afrik Arts","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":60049646354718,"sku":"BA-1190","price":1200.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1081\/5176\/7326\/files\/image_6f07c336-5610-4186-9646-b0e33dfced50.jpg?v=1793250881"},{"product_id":"vintage-benin-bronze-brass-face-mask-pendant-nigeria-lost-wax-cast-3-8-in","title":"Benin Brass Face Mask Pendant, Lost-Wax Cast, 3.8 in","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA vintage cast bronze\/brass face mask pendant from Benin, Nigeria. The face has large almond eyes with raised rims, a broad nose and full lips, with a long raised leaf-shaped mark on each cheek and a row of vertical marks on the forehead. A close-fitting cap with a raised band covers the head, and a ribbed beard runs along the jaw and chin. The scalloped edge is pierced with a row of round holes on each side, and a cast loop at the top holds a thin copper wire ring for hanging from a chain or cord. The surface has a dark brown patina with warmer brass showing on the high points. It can be worn on a heavy chain or cord, or displayed on a stand, shelf or wall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBackground\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBenin City in Nigeria has a long tradition of brass and bronze casting by the lost-wax method, and small face pendants like this one were made there through the 20th century. This piece is unsigned. It is a single hollow casting with an open, concave back that shows the marks of the casting process, including a small vent hole near the bottom. It weighs about 4.2 oz.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGood vintage condition with no breaks, cracks or visible repairs. There is wear and darkening to the patina, light surface residue in the recesses, and normal casting irregularities on the back. The copper wire ring is a simple hanger and is not part of the casting. Please see all photos.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions \u0026amp; Weight\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe pendant is 3.8 x 2.4 x 1.0 inches (H x W x D), including the top loop, and weighs about 4.2 oz (119 g).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShipping\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFree standard shipping within the US, packed securely.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Belle Afrik Arts","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":60653951451422,"sku":"BA-1570","price":59.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1081\/5176\/7326\/files\/896334397_1125271377094624_7303162318506281055_n.jpg?v=1794151514"}],"url":"https:\/\/belleafrikarts.com\/collections\/benin-art.oembed","provider":"Belle Afrik Arts","version":"1.0","type":"link"}