Bini Edo Court Dwarf
Kingdom of Benin (Nigeria)
Brass
H.: 27.5 cm.
Anthropomorphic brass statue showing a male figure in a hieratic position, holding in each hand a sickle and a sceptre with a human head. He is dressed in a long tunic decorated with a necklace and a bib in relief. He wears a stepped cap with a circular frontal ornament at the bulbous end.
This statue represents a dwarf from the king's entourage (Oba) who appeared in the 15th century. These dwarves were intended for diversion and surveillance and were given occult gifts.
An object representative of the art of lost wax casting, which was very widespread in Benin.
An object made specifically for colonial trade with obvious decorative interest.
Consultant : Jean-Pierre LACOSTE
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