Object Number
1991.17.2
Edo designations
English designations
Commemorative Head
Categories
Altar & Shrine Objects
Heads
Location
1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028, United States
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Commemorative Head
Commemorative Head

Iconographies

3 annotations
Forehead markings
Ikharo
Forehead markings

Ikharo are linear keloid markings depicted on the forehead of Uhunmwu-Elao (commemorative heads) in groups of three or four above each eye. The exact meaning of Ikharo is debated; some have argued that they relate to the gender or tribal identification of the person on whom they are depicted. For example, Gabriel Ọbazee2025, p. 250 has argued that they were worn only by men; however, their use in depictions is not consistent with this, and the Iy’Ọba are also shown wearing them. Flora Kaplan argued that they are instead a stylistic feature employed by artists that varied over time.

The naming of these markings differs between publications. For example, Ekhaguosa Aisien and Joseph Nevadomsky describe these markings as “agbaguda n'ehae”, which they write translates literally as “blades of the forehead”. However, Aisien later went on to call these “ikharo”, as used here. Kate Ezra referred to these forehead markings as ikharo, meaning “tribal mark [of eye]”.

1 annotation
Ikharo
Colar Bead
Odigba
Coral beaded collar

Odigba (coral-beaded collar) is a rigid neck collar made of coral beads, worn as part of ceremonial attire only by senior princes who have been made Enigie. Although Ibafe (2007, p. 43) argued that the Odigba was introduced during the Ogiso period (c. 900–c. 1170 AD) by Ogiso Ere, along with other symbolically important Emwin Arhe, such as the Ada (ceremonial sword) and the Ẹbẹn (ceremonial sword), this seems unlikely, as coral was only introduced in the late 15th century through trade with Portuguese merchants.

1 annotation
Odigba
Star beads
Ititi ako
Star beads

The Ititi ako is a cluster of coral beads, usually three or four, attached to a pin and used to embellish the royal crowns on Uhunmwu-Elao (commemorative heads) and Uhunmwu-Ẹkuẹ (pendant masks). These bead clusters are also known as star beads, which indicate the prosperous destiny of an individual or wearer. Apart from enhancing the appearance of the wearer, they also represent the individual’s high social status. Judging from their presence on a variety of head sculptures, both men and women wore Ititi ako.

1 annotation
Ititi ako

Provenance

6 events
Production
unknown to February 22, 1897 (day 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 the British colonial military campaign on Benin - February 1897 from Benin Kingdom.
Unknown
February 22, 1897 (year approximate) to 1900
The object is known to have come into contact with William Downing Webster, later in Bicester.
Auction
July 8, 1974
The object was auctioned to Mathias Komor through Sotheby's in London.
Purchase
1974 to 1991
The object was purchased by Klaus Gunther & Amelia 'Dolly' Perls from Komor Gallery and Mathias Komor in New York City.
Gift
1991
The object was given as a gift by Klaus Gunther & Amelia 'Dolly' Perls to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

Related archival documents

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Date

Institution data

Metropolitan Museum of Art
The data was transferred directly by the institution.
Last updated: 2021-07-30
Language: english
Institution fieldValue
Object Number
object id
1991.17.2
Object Sort Number
object id
1991 17 2
Primary Rendition No
object id
DT5132
Title
designation
object type
Head of an Oba
Medium
material
Brass, iron
Dimensions
dimensions
H. 13 1/8 x W. 9 3/8 x D. 10 3/8 in. (33.3 x 23.8 x 26.4 cm)
Classification
object type
Metal-Sculpture
Date
date made
18th century
Geo: City
production place
Court of Benin
Geo: Country
production place
Nigeria
Credit Line
prior source
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Klaus G. Perls, 1991
Provenance
provenance
Court of Benin, taken from the Royal Palace in 1897 during the British military occupation of Benin; [W. D. Webster, London, acquired by 1900]; (Sotheby's, London, July 8, 1974, no. 83); [Matthias Komor, New York]; Mr. and Mrs. Klaus G. Perls, New York, until 1991Court of Benin Objects in the Michael C. Rockefeller Wing, Metropolitan Museum of Art
Dynasty
reign associated name
Oranmiyan
Culture
ethnic attribution
Edo peoples
ExhibitionHistory
exhibition history
Royal Art of Benin from the Perls Collection The Metropolitan Museum of Art, January 16, 1992–September 13,1992
Bibliography
bibliography
Webster, William Downing. Illustrated Catalogue of Culturelogical Specimens, European and Eastern Arms and Armor, Prehistoric and Other Curiosities. vol. 28, no. 57. London: Oxon, 1895–. Dark, Philip J.C. An Illustrated Catalogue of Benin Art. Boston: G. K. Hall & Co., 1982. Ezra, Kate. Royal Art of Benin: The Perls Collection in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1992, fig. 1. Catalogue of Art. London: Sotheby & Co., July 8, 1974, no. 83. Vogel, Susan M. African Sculpture: The Shape of Surprise. Greenvale, NY: C.W. Post Art Gallery, 1980, no. 77.
Published References
bibliography
Webster, W.D. 1895-1901. Illustrated Catalogue of Ethnological Specimens, European and Eastern Arms and Armor, Prehistoric and Other Curiosities. London: cat. 28, no. 57. Sotheby and Co., London. 1974. Catalogue of Art. Sale catalogue of July 8, 1974: lot 83. Dark, P. 1982. An Illustrated Catalogue of Benin Art. Boston: Z2/65. C.W. Post Center, Hillwood Art Gallery, Greenvale, New York. 1980. African Sculpture: The Shape of Surprise, by S. Vogel (exhibition catalogue): no. 77. "ROYAL ART OF BENIN. The Perls Collection in The Metropolitan Museum of Art." Kate Ezra. The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Harry N. Abrams Inc., New York 1992 Fig. 1
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