Plaque Item Number: 1373/69 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Rectangular, metal object depicting eight male human figures standing side-by-side, hands crossed in front of them, in low relief. Object is heavily oxidized and has a red hue. Metal loop located in the centre above the figures' heads.
Specific Techniques
Made with the cire-perdue or lost-wax method. The mould is made of beeswax, covered with clay, and then fired. The wax melts and the hollow clay cast is then filled with scraps of copper-based alloy, before being fired for a second time. XRF analysis suggests the piece is made of a bronze alloy, with a high bismuth content.
Iconographic Meaning
This bronze plaque depicts human figures standing shoulder to shoulder. All are male, and may be low-ranking members of the Benin court, possibly emada (pages)? The way they are displayed suggests they are all of equal status within the court.
Item History
- Made in Nigeria ?
- Collected between 1969 and 1970
- Owned by Helen Purkis before May 30, 1989
- Received from Helen Purkis (Donor) on May 30, 1989
What
- Name
- Plaque
- Identification Number
- 1373/69
- Type of Item
- plaque
- Material
- bronze metal
- Overall
- height 16.7 cm, width 28.4 cm, depth 2.9 cm
Who
- Culture
- West African
- Previous Owner
- Helen Purkis
- Received from
- Helen Purkis (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Nigeria ?
When
- Collection Date
- between 1969 and 1970
- Ownership Date
- before May 30, 1989
- Acquisition Date
- on May 30, 1989
Other
- Item Classes
- metalwork
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 1373/0069