Procession to the Temple of the Great Snake, Benin - N. Parr Engraving 1746

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An 18th-century engraving of the coronation procession of the king of Whydah on its way to the temple of the … Read more An 18th-century engraving of the coronation procession of the king of Whydah on its way to the temple of the Great Snake, on the coast of Benin. A broad view with the numbered cortege and two cartouches explaining each group.

Engraved by Nathaniel Parr (active 1742-1751) after the account of the voyage of the Chevalier Des Marchais, for Thomas Astley's "A New General Collection of Voyages and Travels" (London, 1745-1747). Whydah, today Ouidah, was the center of the python cult that developed during the 17th century.

Medium: copper engraving
Engraver: Nathaniel Parr (active 1742-1751)
Date: 1746
Source: A New General Collection of Voyages and Travels, by Thomas Astley (London, 1745-1747); numbered below "Plate 175, lib. 2, p. 377" and "Plate 9"
Dimensions: Plate mark 8.3 x 14.4 in (21.2 x 36.7 cm)
Condition: good, with wide margins See less