 Post 1 SOLD |
 Post 2 SOLD |
Object 5 SOLD |
Old Benin bronzes are very rare. Although similar in style to many older works, the pieces below are 20th C. and were made to be sold.
The objects below are SOLD. They are left here for reference and education purposes.
Post 1 SOLD |
Post 2 SOLD |
Object 5 SOLD |
Sword 6 SOLD |
Sword 7 SOLD |
 Cock 8 SOLD |
 Cock 9 SOLD |
 Cock 10 SOLD |
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Bracelet 11 4.75" long SOLD |
Wood Object 13 17.75" high SOLD |
Object 15 21" high SOLD |
Photographs © Hamill Gallery
BENIN STYLE BRONZE OBJECTS, Nigeria
Although similar to many older works, these are all 20th C. pieces and probably made to be sold.
The extraordinary bronzes of the Benin kingdom in what is now
Nigeria exhibit 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 descended
from the Ife, also known for their remarkable bronzes. Almost all Benin
art was created to honor the king , or Oba, who has reigned, with
his ancestors, from the 15th century. Styles have changed over the years.
Although similar to many older works, these are all 20th C. pieces. Each
is still sculpted by hand, then cast in bronze by the lost wax process.
The varied objects on this page include two altar posts, each
of which is fitted in the middle of two halves. There are three pieces that
were placed on ancestral altars and two ceremonial swords, as seen held
by the Oba on many figures and plaques. The cocks were placed on altars
honoring past queen mothers.
GO TO BENIN BRONZE PLAQUES ARCHIVES PAGE (ALL SOLD)
GO TO AFRICAN METALWORKS EXHIBITION PAGE
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TRIBE |
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