When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Vintage Heavy Benin-Style Bronze Oba Royal Head Sculpture – 10.5" – 5+ lb
Substantial vintage cast metal sculpture depicting an Oba, or royal ruler, in the artistic tradition of the historic Kingdom of Benin and Edo people of West Africa.
This is an especially striking and substantial example, standing approximately 10½ inches tall and weighing over 5 pounds.
The sculpture features an elaborate lattice-patterned royal headdress, stylized facial features, prominent almond-shaped eyes, a tall horizontally banded ceremonial collar and an intricately patterned flared base.
The crown is open at the top, following the traditional form associated with Benin commemorative royal heads.
Material
The sculpture is made from a heavy non-magnetic copper-based metal alloy consistent with bronze/brass.
A magnet does not adhere to the sculpture, and the surface displays extensive green verdigris-type patination characteristic of copper-bearing alloys.
Exact alloy composition has not been laboratory tested, so the piece is conservatively described as bronze/brass copper alloy rather than claiming a specific metallurgical composition.
Measurements
Height: Approx. 10.5"
Maximum width: Approx. 8"
Weight: Over 5 lb
Construction: Hollow cast sculpture with open crown
Measurements are approximate and taken by hand.
Condition
Vintage pre-owned condition with substantial age-related surface character.
The sculpture displays extensive brown, bronze and green patination throughout, including verdigris in recessed areas of the headdress, face, collar and decorative base.
Surface characteristics include oxidation, discoloration, rubbing, scratches, casting irregularities and areas of heavier patina.
There is also a small opening/casting flaw visible on the side of the head, shown clearly in the photographs.
No aggressive polishing or restoration has been performed. The existing surface and patina have been left intact.
Please examine all photographs closely, as they form an important part of the description and accurately show the sculpture's surface, casting and condition.
Attribution / Age
This piece is offered conservatively as a vintage Benin-style / Edo-inspired royal head sculpture.
The exact artist, workshop, country of manufacture and date are unknown. No signature or foundry mark has been located.
No claim is being made that this is an early historic Benin court bronze or museum-period antiquity. It is being sold as a later work executed in the traditional Benin artistic style.
Display / Collector Appeal
With its substantial weight, dramatic verdigris surface and highly detailed royal regalia, this piece has an impressive architectural presence despite its relatively compact size.
The combination of the deeply modeled facial features, lattice headdress, layered ceremonial collar and interlaced base decoration makes it particularly effective as a standalone sculptural display piece.
The aged surface has been preserved rather than polished, allowing the contrasting brown metal and green patina to remain visible throughout.
You will receive the exact sculpture shown in the photographs.
