Figure Item Number: K2.41 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Standing metal figure of a crowned member of the royal court holding a ceremonial sword (eben) in his right hand which is bent forward at the elbow. His left arm is resting, bent at the elbows so that his hand can rest on the front of his dress. Stiff angular lines with a geometrical pattern of diamond-shaped lattice work on the dress. He is wearing an elaborate headdress with three protrusions sticking upward; stack of coral beads wrapped around his neck (odigba). The sword has a lanceolate shape which tapers downward and then flares outward at the end where there are two flat circles and a twisted loop. Has a brown patina. On a flat rectangular base.
Narrative
Collected by Roy Dunlop in 1964.
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 gunmetal (also called 'red brass' - a bronze alloy) with maganese steel.
Item History
- Made in Nigeria
- Collected during 1964
- Owned by Roy G. Dunlop before 1964
- Received from Roy G. Dunlop (Donor) during 1964
What
- Name
- Figure
- Identification Number
- K2.41
- Type of Item
- figure
- Material
- bronze metal
- Manufacturing Technique
- cast
- Overall
- height 24.8 cm, width 9.8 cm, depth 7.0 cm
Who
- Culture
- Edo
- Previous Owner
- Roy G. Dunlop
- Received from
- Roy G. Dunlop (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Nigeria
When
- Collection Date
- during 1964
- Ownership Date
- before 1964
- Acquisition Date
- during 1964
Other
- Item Classes
- carvings & sculpture; metalwork
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 0114/0018