RARE AFRICAN TRIBAL ANTIQUE BENIN CAST BRONZE KING OBA ON HORSEBACK FIGURE

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RARE AFRICAN TRIBAL ANTIQUE BENIN CAST BRONZE KING OBA ON HORSEBACK FIGURE:
$2024.69

AFRICAN TRIBAL ANTIQUE BENIN CAST BRONZE KING OBA FIGURE CIRCA LATE 1800s

From the private collection

The figure is about 12\" x 9 1/2\" x4 1/2\".

This extraordinary well preserved Bronze of the Benin Kingdom in what is now Nigeria exhibits a virtuosity and sophistication of style that has astonished the Western world since they were visited in the 15th century. Their work was brought to Europe following a punitive expedition by the British in 1897, causing a great sensation. The people of Benin, called Bini, are descendant from the Ife, also known for their remarkable Bronze. Almost all Benin art was created to honor the King or Oba and Queen Mothers.

The Benin Kingdom was strong through out the 15th and 16th Centuries and was located in West Africa bordering what is now Nigeria and Togo. Benin Clans were ruled by a King which was known as the Oba and who was the divine ruler of the Benin people. The people of Benin are called Bini and are descended from the Ife peoples. The making of these Benin bronzes were strictly considered court art and were made exclusively for the palace of the Oba and were designed to venerate the achievements and memories of the Obas and their Queens also called Iyobas or Queen Mothers who ruled through out the time of the kingdom. The metalsmiths were very talented and used complex wax casting techniques which were far ahead of their time. Their work in bronze, copper and iron was extremely refined and their methods of metal smelting, forging and lost wax methods exceeded any seen in Europe until the 19th century. Lost-wax casting sometimes called by the French name of cire perdue (from the Latin cera perduta) is the process by which a brass or bronze sculpture is cast from an artist\'s carving usually made from wax. Very intricate works can be achieved with this method, depending on the carver\'s skills. Some of the finest examples of African art come from the Benin people and this is an extremely amazing specimen. This beautiful piece measures 12\" x 9 1/2\" x4 1/2\".

Back in the late 19th century when the British forces invaded Benin City, they were overwhelmed to find artistic sculptures cast in brass/bronze. They could not believe the technological sophistication and exquisite beauty and quality of these objects. What they saw was a total contradiction to what many westerners believed or assumed about Africa. The above was too much for the British forces to bear and they swiftly concocted excuses - \"The sculptures must have been made by the Portuguese, the Egyptians, or the lost tribes of Israel\"

The so-called \"Portuguese, Egyptian or Israeli\" sculptures eventually found their way to Britain and later to other parts of Europe, where it was first classified Benin bronze sculpture

Due to the antique/vintage nature of our items, we encourage our buyers to carefully read the description and measurements of the item to avoid any disappointments ,there might be some slight imperfections, most likely they will show flaws consistent with ware, ages, and use which only add character and charm to the items. Each item is described and photographed as accurately as possible. If you have any question about any particular item, please contact me before you purchase, We are more than happy and willing to answer any questions you may have.

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