Description:

West Africa, Nigeria, Kingdom of Benin, 19th century CE. A large brass pendant or pectoral featuring zoomorphic motifs. The pendant is a teardrop shape with an indentation at the top and an integral suspension hole in this area. The peripheries are decorated with a raised rope pattern border. In the center are semi-circular shapes, zoomorphic creatures, a crocodile, and a winged insect. The insect is charming with curled antennae and dotted patterns. Benin is one of the great kingdoms of West Africa, an empire created in a rainforest that spanned over a millennium, famous for their metal artwork, which was made for and worn by elites in the society. The animals depicted often represent symbols of strength or other attributes. Size: 4" L x 3.5" W (10.2 cm x 8.9 cm)

Provenance: ex-Ashland University Museum, Ashland, Ohio, USA

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#164915

  • Condition: Perforations through the center. Losses to peripheries. Softening of details and surface pitting. Heavy mineral deposits on surfaces and encrustation within suspension hole.

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July 1, 2021 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000