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Figures of an Oba

stylised male figures in a dark brown metal

Edo, Benin City, Nigeria, 19th century
Acc. Nos. 14 7.10.1897.4 and 15 7.10.1897.3

These two Oba figures are wearing beaded coral crowns of a type introduced by Oba Osemwede who reigned from 1816-1848. Each holds a ceremonial sword eben and a brass staff. They may have hung on royal altars by the twisted metal rings at the top.