Late 17 - mid 18 century. African bronze with a rich brown patina" refers to historical artwork produced in West Africa. In general, a rich, dark brown patina on African bronze indicate significant age The distinctive rich, dark brown surface is a product of both age and the specific materials and techniques used by the artists.
Magnificent Mega Rare Horse Riding Warrior figure attests to the technical virtuosity of the Benin bronze-casters.
From the old private collection of the internationally celebrated artist and ardent Africanist..
It was casted in early 19th century, as it was cataloged and dated in the ledger by the collector.
Measurements: 14 1/2" x 14 1/2" x 5"
Benin bronze sculptures are renowned for their intricate details and craftsmanship. Made using the “Lost Wax Process,” a cast is made using a clay core, then layered with bee’s wax to a certain thickness, allowing the artist to begin the crafting process. Molten metal is then poured into the sculpture, forming what we know as Benin Bronze Heads. This process was expensive and required true genius craftsmanship.
The Benin Bronzes hold immense historical and cultural significance. They serve as a testament to the rich artistic heritage of the Edo people and their advanced metalworking techniques. These sculptures not only adorned the royal palace but also depicted important figures, events, and deities of the Kingdom of Benin. The Benin Bronzes are a symbol of the kingdom's power, wealth, and artistic excellence.
The Benin Bronzes are an important group of artworks that were created by specialist guilds working for the royal court of the Oba (king) in Benin City, in what is now Nigeria. The Benin Bronzes consist of elaborately decorated cast plaques, commemorative heads, animal and human figures, items of royal regalia, and personal ornaments. They were made from at least the 16th century onwards and were commissioned specifically for the ancestral altars of past Obas and Queen Mothers, as well as for other rituals to honor the ancestors and to validate the accession of a new Oba.
The Benin Bronzes are an important historical record of the Kingdom of Benin, which was a major city state in West Africa from the medieval period. They provide insights into the kingdom's dynastic history, as well as its social history and its relationships with neighboring kingdoms, states, and societies. One element of this history is the kingdom's early contacts with Europeans, particularly the Portuguese, with whom they developed trade and diplomatic contacts from the 15th century.
The artists who created the Benin Bronzes were highly skilled craftsmen who worked in a variety of materials, including brass, bronze, ivory, coral, leather, and wood. They were commissioned to create a wide range of objects, including:
1. Commemorative heads: These were cast bronze heads that were used to commemorate the reigns of past Obas (kings) of Benin. They were placed on ancestral altars and used in various ceremonies to honor the ancestors.
2. Plaques: These were elaborate cast brass plaques that adorned the walls of the royal palace in Benin City. They depicted scenes from the history of the Kingdom of Benin, including battles, rituals, and court ceremonies.
3. Royal regalia: The artists also created intricate pieces of royal regalia, such as beaded crowns, staffs, and swords. These were used in coronation ceremonies and other royal events.
4. Animal and human figures: The artists created a wide range of animal and human figures, both in bronze and ivory. These included depictions of various animals, as well as human figures such as warriors, court officials, and musicians.
5. Personal ornaments: The artists also created personal ornaments, such as bracelets, necklaces, and earrings, for members of the royal court.
The artists who created these objects were members of specialist guilds who worked exclusively for the royal court of the Oba of Benin. They were highly skilled and their work was highly valued by the court. The objects they created were not only beautiful and intricate works of art, but also important cultural and historical artifacts that provide insight into the history and culture of the Kingdom of Benin.
However, the Benin Bronzes also have a complicated and controversial history, which includes their theft by British forces in 1897, during a punitive expedition to the Kingdom of Benin, which was then under British colonial rule. The British looted thousands of objects from the royal palace and other locations, including the Benin Bronzes, and many of these objects were subsequently sold to museums and private collectors around the world.
The Benin Bronzes are a prime example of this. These artifacts are not just valuable objects; they are part of the cultural heritage of the Kingdom of Benin and Nigeria as a whole. They represent the history, beliefs, and values of the people who created them. They are a reminder of the greatness of the Kingdom of Benin, and they provide insight into the complex social, political, and economic structures that existed in this part of Africa during the medieval period.