Item.
Outstanding, and rare example of a Plaque depicting an elaborately-dressed figure beating a large, ceremonial drum.

Superb, Authentic, rare and genuinely old example that is part of what is today described as the Benin Bronzes.

The Benin Bronzes are a group of more than a thousand metal plaques and sculptures that decorated the royal palace of the King of Benin in what is now Edo State in the Midwest area of Nigeria.

Collectively, the Benin bronze objects form the best-known examples of Benin art and were created from the thirteenth century onwards by artists of the Edo people of Nigeria.

Origin.
Edo People of Nigeria.

Description.
A stunning, detailed and rare example of a Benin bronze plaque.

The central figure wears an elaborate helmet and neck jewellery in the form of a necklace made with sharpened Leopard tooth.

a large, cylindrical drum is hoisted on his left hip he is beating perhaps at an important ceremony.

Base plate shows characteristic flower petal motif that are a common theme with many Benin bronze plaques.

Great attention to detailing plus good form and balance. Patina of the plaque is oxidised with genuine age and wear.

Some areas of minor metal degradation, thinning and loss that I have tried to show in the pictures but a beautiful and solid creation throughout in good collector condition.

The quality and finesse of this plaque is rare to come across today and testimony to our ability to find the finest authentic Benin bronzes still available anywhere because of our presence on the ground in the home of creation, ethnographic significance and use of these fascinating treasures.

Overall, a beautiful and significant collector item offered at a great price for a genuine Benin tribal treasure we believe will be a complement to any collection however prestigious such is.

Please note that this is an authentic Benin bronze creation field-collected by Yemisi Gallery in Edo State which is the current home of the ancient Benin empire.

We strictly only sell Benin bronze artifacts obtained from their original place of creation and use crafted by artisans of the famous Benin bronze casters guild.

This plaque is made with same traditional lost wax method and incredible skills as the first of the Benin bronzes created several hundred years ago.

Use.
These Benin Bronze plaques , and many other items made of Bronze, decorated the Royal palace and general court of the Benin Kingdom.

They represented customs, rites and events around the Oba Of Benin, his monarchy and also ceremonies and occurrences significant in the old Benin Kingdom.

They were crafted by highly skilled artisan, masterful at working with metal, as commemorative gifts to the Oba of Benin and his many Chiefs and royal affiliates.

This example features an elaborately dressed Drummer who is likely a member of the King of Benin's elite warriors.



Measurement.
47cm high x 27cm wide x 15cm deep.

Weight.
9kg approx.

Postage information.
Plaque will be sent out using a UPS courier tracked service.

Please note we are an international seller who mainly obtain tribal artifacts directly in their area of creation and use as we rate authenticity higher than anything else per tribal art.

We sometime therefore send items, especially big items, directly from where they were field-collected as this saves duplication of cost and effort for us.

Item will be sent using a UPS courier internatiomal tracked service.
Please allow at least two weeks for delivery after payment is made. Thank you..