Accession Number
2001.27
Edo designations
English designations
Relief Plaque
Categories
Palace Architecture & Ornamentation
Location
1 Adesogbe (Plymouth) Road, P.M.B. 1115, Benin City , Edo State
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Relief Plaque
Relief Plaque

Iconographies

5 annotations
Single Beaded Baldric
Ukpan obọ ọkpa
Single Beaded Baldric

Ukpan obọ ọkpa is a single baldric worn diagonally across the torso, from the left shoulder to the right hip. Barbara Blackmun described these baldrics as an “Ẹkpẹn band,” worn by figures as “a sign of distinction” ( ).

1 annotation
Ukpan obọ ọkpa
Iconography image
Ikoro
Armcuff

Ikoro (armcuffs) are made from different materials using different techniques, including brass sheet, cast bronze, and ivory. They were crafted by different guilds depending on the material used: artists of the Igun-Ẹrọnmwọn cast them in brass or hammered and incised them from brass sheet, whereas artists of the Igbesamwan carved ivory Ikoro. Ikoro were made in different qualities, from rather simple examples with abstract geometric decoration to finely carved ivory examples with brass or copper inlays. Ikoro are worn in pairs on both forearms by chiefs and the Ọba during ceremonies and festivals. Figures depicted on the Emwin Arhe (royal treasures) are often shown wearing such pairs.

1 annotation
Ikoro
Iconography image
Uhunmwu-Ẹkuẹ
Pendant Mask

Uhunmwu-Ẹkuẹ (pendant masks) formed part of the ceremonial regalia worn by court dignitaries to indicate their rank or function and are frequently represented among the Emwin Arhe (royal treasures), particularly those made of brass, bronze, or ivory.

Different animals were depicted on Uhunmwu-Ẹkuẹ, particularly the heads of leopards and crocodiles. The most common type features the face or head of an Ọba. Other examples take the form of an elephant head incorporating the trunk-hand motif, a ram’s head, or, in a very small number of cases, the face of a Portuguese man. Different figures appear to have worn Uhunmwu-Ẹkuẹ with different imagery. For example, warrior chiefs are often depicted wearing leopard-head pendant masks, whereas crocodile-head Uhunmwu-Ẹkuẹ are generally shown being worn only by the Ọba and his Enọbare (Blackmun 2007, cat. no. 137, p. 365).

1 annotation
Uhunmwu-Ẹkuẹ
Water fern
Ebe Amẹ
Water Fern

Ebe Amẹ refers to a wide variety of plants, particularly the leaves of the water fern or river leaf, found in riverine areas of southern Nigeria. Artists from the Igun-Ẹrọnmwọn used these as a decorative motif in the background of most Ama-Ẹrọnmwọn (bronze relief plaques). The petals of the Ebe Amẹ, like the points of the ἀghàdàgháda (crossroads), represent the four cardinal directions: north, east, south, and west. The number four plays a foundational role in the Edo calendar, which is structured around four market days.

1 annotation
Ebe Amẹ
Iconography image
Ẹbẹn
Ceremonial Sword

Ẹbẹn are a type of ceremonial sword of significant importance in the Benin Kingdom. During ceremonies, titled chiefs would hold them or toss them during dances, thereby paying homage to the Ọba at these public events, particularly when a chief receives a certain status. It is forbidden for Ẹbẹn to touch the ground, so the chief must take extra precautions to avoid dropping the Ẹbẹn during the dance. Therefore, the Okae-Odionmwan (head of executioners) dances with the Umozo (warfare or executioner’s sword) behind the dancing chief.

There are two central ceremonial swords used in the royal court of the Benin Kingdom, one of which is the Ẹbẹn, along with the Ada (ceremonial swords). They are distinguished by their blades: the Ẹbẹn blade reflects the shape of a leaf or an oar. Sometimes, it is decorated with openwork designs and/or brass inlays, most commonly shaped as small Ẹbẹn and Ẹkpẹn (leopards). The handle of the Ẹbẹn also has an unusual ring-shaped form, which further differentiates it from the Ada.

1 annotation
Ẹbẹn

Provenance

8 events
Production
1504 (approximate) to 1550 (approximate)
The object was produced by Unknown member(s) of the Igun-Ẹrọnmwọn guild in Benin City.
Looted
February 19, 1897 (day approximate) to June 1899 (month approximate)
The object was looted by Unknown member of British colonial military campaigns against the Ekumeku movement from Benin Kingdom.
Unknown
1919 (approximate)
The object is known to have come into contact with Stuttgart Staatliches Museum für Völkerkunde Linden-Museum, later in Stuttgart.
Unknown
1928 (approximate) to 1987
The object is known to have come into contact with Ludwig Bretschneider, later in Munich.
Unknown
1971 to 2001
The object is known to have come into contact with Pace Primitive, later in New York City.
Unknown
1971 to 2001
The object is known to have come into contact with Donald Morris, in New York City.
Purchase
2001
The object was purchased by the Stanley Museum of Art, University of Iowa from Donald Morris Gallery and Donald Morris through Mary Jo & Richard H. 'Dick' Stanley from New York City to Iowa City.
Restitution
July 15, 2024
The object was restituted by the Stanley Museum of Art, University of Iowa to Ọba Ẹwuare II and the Omo n'Oba n'Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ọba of Benin & National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Nigeria through Peju Layiwola and Cory Gundlach from Iowa City to Nigeria.

Related archival documents

2 documents
See all
Date
Date

Institution data

Stanley Museum of Art, University of Iowa
The data was transferred directly by the institution.
Last updated: 2021-01-08
Language: english
Institution fieldValue
Accession Number
object id
2001.27
Title
designation
object type
Plaque
Label/0/Label Copy
description
"Nigeria (Benin Kingdom), Edo Plaque, 16th-17th century Bronze Purchased with funds from Richard and Mary Jo Stanley, 2001.27"
Dimensions
dimensions
11 1/2 x 9 3/4 x 3/4 in. (29.21 x 24.77 x 1.91 cm)
Creation Date
date made
16th - 17th century
Artist - Sort Name
producer
Edo
Continent
production place
Africa
Country
production place
Nigeria
Region
production place
Western Africa
Credit Line
prior source
Purchased with funds from Mary Jo and Richard H. Stanley
Source
prior source
Morris, Donald; Donald Morris Gallery, Inc.
Provenance
provenance
Donald Morris Gallery, Inc., New York. Pace , New York. Private collection, England. Ludwig Bretschneider, Munich. Museum fur Lander- und Volkerkunde in Stuttgart.
Culture
ethnic attribution
Edo (Benin Kingdom)
Comments
notes
Notes
notes
Exhibitions
exhibition history
Stanley Visual Classroom 2019 Spring Reinstall, Stanley Visual Classroom, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, January 22 - July 14, 2019. Social (In)Justice, Black Box Theater, IMU, Iowa City, Iowa, February 20 - May 15, 2016. UIMA@IMU Visual Classroom 2014 Spring Reinstall, UIMA@IMU Visual Classroom, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, January 14 – July 13, 2014. UIMA@IMU Visual Classroom 2013 Fall Reinstall, UIMA@IMU Visual Classroom, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, July 1, 2013 – January 5, 2014. UIMA@IMU Visual Classroom 2012 Fall Reinstall, UIMA@IMU Visual Classroom, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, August 13, 2012 - January 6, 2013. UIMA@IMU Visual Classroom 2012 Spring Reinstall, UIMA@IMU Visual Classroom, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, January - August 2012. UIMA@IMU Visual Classroom 2011 Fall Reinstall, UIMA@IMU Visual Classroom, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, August 13, 2011 - January 1, 2012. UIMA@IMU Visual Classroom 2011 Spring Reinstall, UIMA@IMU Visual Classroom, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, January - July 29, 2011. UIMA@IMU Visual Classroom 2010 Fall Reinstall, UIMA@IMU Visual Classroom, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, August - December 30, 2010. UIMA@IMU Visual Classroom 2009 Fall Reinstall, UIMA@IMU Visual Classroom, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, August 8, 2009 - August 1, 2010. African Galleries Reinstall, University of Iowa Museum of Art, Iowa City, Iowa, January 2007 - January 2008. The Cultured Body: African Body Adornments, University of Iowa Museum of Art, Iowa City, Iowa, October 10, 2002 - February 2, 2002. African Art, University of Iowa Museum of Art, Iowa City, Iowa, September 2001 - January 2008.
Bib
bibliography
Felix von Luschan, Die Altertumer von Benin. New York: Hacker Art Books, 1968. (page 109) Felix von Luschan, Die Karl Knorrsche Sammlung von Benin-Altertumern: Im Museum fur Lander und Volkerkunde in Stuttgart. Stuttgart: Druck von W. Kohlhammer, 1901. (page 182)
Condition/0/Condition report
condition
Survey report: The plaque has been broken along the PR side of the figure's head and down through the arm; the break has been repaired with a yellow, shiny adhesive, possibly a contact cement. The join is sound, though unsightly from the reverse with a thickness of excess adhesive along the join line. The join line is barely apparent from the front. The bottom part of the plaque and the PR edge are old losses. The following numbers have been applied at different times to the reverse: "zu5408"; "318" (twice); "5408 Benin Knorr"; "?000.08 (sticker); "5 (pounds sterling symbol)". There are two copper wires attached at the back. The surface has an overall, compact, red (laterite?) appearance.
Condition/0/Examination Date
condition
2122007
Condition/0/Examined by
condition
Dana Moffett
Condition/0/Propose Treatment
condition
Although the join is sound and flush, the adhesive used is not conservation grade and may, in time, react with the metal causing corrosion. It is likely to be insoluble and will have to be removed mechanically. 1) Remove adhesive with a scalpel. 2) Test a sample for solubility in a range of solvents. 3) Clean remaining adhesive with solvent if effective. 4) Re-execute join using an appropriate conservation grade but strong adhesive and an appropriate backing material. 4) Fill join line on front if necessary using a organic solvent based filling system and tone with acrylic paints. Estimated treatment time: 15 hours.
Condition/1/Condition report
condition
Fragment of bronze plaque. Large approx. 2.5" hole between sword and bicep along forearm on proper right side. Crack from arm pit to bottom of thigh on proper right side. One point of necklace broken. Appears old damage. (No new damage apparent.) Slate stand has several new looking chips. Black tape is coming loose.
Condition/1/Examination Date
condition
8052001
Condition/1/Examined by
condition
Donald Jeff Martin
Condition/1/Propose Treatment
condition
Condition/1/Treatment report
condition
Condition/2/Condition report
condition
Object appears stable. -Plaque is mounted on slate support with wires and perhaps epoxy. Plaque is slightly loose from slate. -Numerous old losses and cracks. Most notable loss is on proper right side of necklace. -Separating from proper right leg along proper right side extending up into the proper right arm pit. Red patina is abraded and polished at almost all raised areas. Most notably at nose, lips and necklace of figure. Slate base and stand exhibit numerous old losses and scraps.
Condition/2/Examination Date
condition
28032001
Condition/2/Examined by
condition
Donald Jeff Martin
Condition/2/Propose Treatment
condition
Condition/3/Condition report
condition
Very dusty, dirty, grimy. White accretion on PR side of necklace on chest. Green oxidation (?) on lower 3 "rungs" of cap. Green oxidation on nose. Debris throughout plaque. Holes and areas of loss throughout. Large hole in PR armpit with white accretion on arm and in armpit. Small hole in PL armpit with large cobweb, debris, and dust. Creases in between fingers show white accretions. PL side of skirt has areas of white accretions and small holes throughout. Bottom of skirt very dirty. Large crack extending full length of plaque. Large hole in between legs on underside of skirt. PL ankle has orange-colored rust spot in between decoration. Bottom edge of plaque has a lot of green oxidation. Overall in fair condition.
Condition/3/Examination Date
condition
5122000
Condition/3/Examined by
condition
Carrie Blatchford
Condition/4/Condition report
condition
Category/0
African
Category/1
Metalwork
Category2
Condition/4/Examination Date
condition
Curator who accessioned the work
Rovine, Victoria; University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art
Keywords
Edo (African culture);metalwork;weapons;figures (representations);
Label/0/Curator
na
Label/0/Exhibition
na
Label/0/Year
na
Label/1/Curator
Label/1/Exhibition
Label/1/Label Copy
description
Label/1/Year
Media & Support
material
Bronze
Temp ID
27.2001a,b (b=stand)
ULAN ID
500203242
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