Vintage Benin Bronze Relief Plaque | Oba & Attendants | Nigerian African Art 14"

Description:
Make a monumental statement in your home with this magnificent, heavy cast Benin bronze wall plaque. Featuring a deeply cast, high-relief scene of a royal Oba (king) surrounded by his court, this 14-inch masterpiece captures the grandeur and historical weight of traditional Nigerian metalworking.
Perfect for a gallery wall, a study, or as a standalone focal point, this plaque offers profound cultural history, incredible texture, and a commanding visual presence.
Cultural & Historical Context
This piece is a classic homage to the legendary Benin bronzes—specifically the rectangular relief plaques that once adorned the wooden pillars of the Oba’s royal palace in the Kingdom of Benin (modern-day Nigeria) during the 16th and 17th centuries.
Hierarchical Proportion: In traditional Edo art, the most important figure is depicted as the largest. Here, the central Oba is prominently featured wearing a beaded coral crown and ceremonial regalia, signifying his absolute divine right and earthly power.
The Royal Court: The Oba is flanked by two royal attendants or warrior chiefs holding ceremonial staffs and swords. Below them, two smaller figures complete the entourage, including a royal musician blowing a traditional horn to herald the king's presence.
Textured Background: The background is detailed with classic Benin stippling and faint floral/leaf motifs, representing the connection between the royal court and the natural world.
The Artistry & Details
Crafted using the ancient, labor-intensive "lost-wax" casting method, this plaque was born from a single wax model that was destroyed during the casting process, ensuring it is a completely unique work of art. The figures are cast in incredibly high relief—protruding up to 2 inches from the background—giving the piece a dynamic, almost three-dimensional sculptural quality. Three pre-cast holes at the top allow for secure and easy wall mounting.
Specifications
Culture/Origin: Edo People, Benin Kingdom Style, Nigeria
Material: Heavy cast bronze/brass alloy
Dimensions: 14" Height x 12" Width x 2" Depth (Relief)
Mounting: Three integrated casting holes at the top margin
Condition Report
Please review all photos carefully as they are part of the description.
Surface Wear: This is a vintage, handcrafted metal artifact. It boasts a rich, dark, and oxidized patina with subtle hints of green verdigris resting in the recessed details, giving it an authentic excavated feel.
Casting Character: As is highly typical of traditional lost-wax tribal castings, there are inherent rugged edges, minor surface pitting, and rustic textural variations. The bottom edge is naturally uneven from the casting process.
Structural Integrity: The plaque is exceptionally heavy, thick, and structurally solid.