{"product_id":"vintage-benin-bronze-relief-plaque-oba-attendants-nigerian-african-art-14","title":"Vintage Benin Bronze Relief Plaque | Oba \u0026 Attendants | Nigerian African Art 14\"","description":"\u003cp\u003eDescription:\u003cbr\u003eMake 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.\u003cbr\u003ePerfect 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.\u003cbr\u003eCultural \u0026amp; Historical Context\u003cbr\u003eThis 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.\u003cbr\u003eHierarchical 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.\u003cbr\u003eThe 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.\u003cbr\u003eTextured 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.\u003cbr\u003eThe Artistry \u0026amp; Details\u003cbr\u003eCrafted 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.\u003cbr\u003eSpecifications\u003cbr\u003eCulture\/Origin: Edo People, Benin Kingdom Style, Nigeria\u003cbr\u003eMaterial: Heavy cast bronze\/brass alloy\u003cbr\u003eDimensions: 14\" Height x 12\" Width x 2\" Depth (Relief)\u003cbr\u003eMounting: Three integrated casting holes at the top margin\u003cbr\u003eCondition Report\u003cbr\u003ePlease review all photos carefully as they are part of the description.\u003cbr\u003eSurface 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.\u003cbr\u003eCasting 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.\u003cbr\u003eStructural Integrity: The plaque is exceptionally heavy, thick, and structurally solid.\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\/il_fullxfull.8068450150_rpmy.jpg?v=1790372394","url":"https:\/\/belleafrikarts.com\/products\/vintage-benin-bronze-relief-plaque-oba-attendants-nigerian-african-art-14","provider":"Belle Afrik Arts","version":"1.0","type":"link"}