Benin Style, Nigeria

Ceremonial Bell. The powerful ancient Benin kingdom was founded in the early 14th century AD. It was situated in the forest area of southern Nigeria. The art of bronze casting was introduced around the year 1280. The majority of everyday Benin objects were made for and associated with court ceremonies. The oba possessed a monopoly of bronze. The numerous brass heads and figures cast by Benin metalworkers were created for the royal palace, where a new oba would dedicate an altar to his predecessor. The altar functioned as a tribute to the deceased and a point of contact with his spirit. Using the bells and rattle stuffs to call the ancestor’s spirit, the oba offered sacrifices to him and to the earth on the altar.

Material: brass or bronze

Size:   12”x7”x7”