Nigerian Artist, Large Benin Memorial Head Sculpture, 20th Century, Bronze

Details

Description

An impressive, handcrafted memorial sculpture of an Oba (king) from the Edo period. Standing at an imposing 38 cm tall … Read more An impressive, handcrafted memorial sculpture of an Oba (king) from the Edo period. Standing at an imposing 38 cm tall and weighing a substantial 3.7 kg, this piece makes an excellent statement piece for sophisticated interiors.

Detailed

This monumental memorial head (Uhunmwun Elao) is a masterpiece of craftsmanship that translates the captivating aesthetics of the historical Kingdom of Benin (present-day Nigeria) into the modern era. The sculpture embodies the royal presence of the Oba and impresses with its remarkable level of detail.

Features & Quality:

• Authentic Casting Technique: The piece was meticulously handcrafted using the traditional lost-wax casting method (Cire Perdue). The rough, organic texture within the object is a direct testament to this classic casting technique and underscores the unique value of this one-of-a-kind piece.

• Solid Stability: Weighing in at 3.7 kg, the sculpture possesses a physical presence that far surpasses standard decorative items. The solid material ensures stability and underscores the object's durability.

• Detailed Iconography: The sculpture depicts the king with his characteristic, soaring winged crown and precisely crafted coral bead collar. The stylized scarification above the eyebrows and the fine relief textures attest to the high level of craftsmanship.

• Natural Patina: The surface exhibits a vibrant, naturally occurring patina with subtle verdigris highlights, lending the sculpture depth and an authentic vintage character.

Design Context:

This object is an ideal example of the aesthetics of mid-century tribal design. As a sculptural element, it integrates perfectly into modern living spaces—whether as a striking standalone piece on a sideboard, in an eclectic arrangement, or as a contrasting element in minimalist architecture.

The bottle shown is for size comparison only and is not included.

Dimensions:

Height: 38 cm
Width: 14 cm
Depth: 17 cm

Weight: approx. 3700 g See less