Nigerian Benin Head - Adorned Headdress Masks particularly those featuring animal motifs

particularly those featuring animal motifs

This design element is deeply symbolic

polished surface of the wood

The figure is adorned with an array of nails and ropes

They were believed to encourage fertility and ensure healthy offspring

Nigerian Benin Head - Adorned Headdress Masks particularly those featuring animal motifsBenin Head from Nigeria 18th Century (6in X 8in X 17in ) This bronze crowned head is from the royal court of Benin, Nigeria. They are produced using the 'lost wax' method of bronze casting. The 'Benin Bronzes' (made of brass and bronze) are a group of sculptures that include elaborately decorated cast plaques, commemorative heads, animal and human figures, items of royal regalia, and personal ornaments. They were created from at least the 16th century