Plaque

Item number 2853/4 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

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Description

A cast metal plaque depicting four male figures. The figures stand shoulder to shoulder, each with a helmet-shaped headdress and ringed neck decoration extending down to cross the chest over the ribs. Each figure has a uniquely patterned skirt decorated with, from left to right, dots, dots and zigzags, horizontal bands with dots, and a leaf pattern. The faces of the figures have prominent eyes and mouths, and wide noses. Shoulders are prominent and rounded, arms slightly bent and hanging down at sides, with hands flat on thighs. Shins and ankles extend from the bottom of the skirts and end in flat, forward-protruding feet. The rear of the plaque is concave behind each figure, and a metal ring for hanging is attached at top centre.

History Of Use

Bronze or brass casting in Benin used the lost-wax method. The first stage of this process requires the creation of the final design in beeswax, moulded over loosely modelled clay. The beeswax is then covered in clay and fired. The heat melts the beeswax, leaving a hollow clay mould that is then filled with molten metal. Once the metal is cool, the clay may be broken away, leaving a figure in the shape of the initial wax model.

Narrative

Marcel Ollivier was the French Consul General posted to Freetown, Sierra Leone, c. 1960s-1970, during which time he purchased this collection of objects (2853/1-9). He later finished his diplomatic service in Vancouver as French Consul General from 1982-1986, after which he retired to England. The objects were donated to MOA at the specific request of Ollivier, via his daughter-in-law.

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.

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 leaded gunmetal (also called 'red brass' - a bronze alloy), with some arsenic.