FILTER RESULTS
by Artist
by Artist
by Century
by Country
by Object Type
by Period
Head Fragment
4 1/4 x 3 3/16 x 2 5/16 in. (10.8 x 8.1 x 5.9 cm)Unknown, Edo (Bini)
Nigerian
Object Type:
Ceramics
Medium and Support:
Clay, pigment
Credit Line:
Marion Stratton Gould Fund
Accession Number:
1965.25
Location: Currently on view
This small head fragment from the Benin culture in Nigeria is the oldest African object in the Memorial Art Gallery’s collection. It was a part of the great royal court art of Benin and likely represents one of the deceased kings (Oba) or attendants. The Benin believed the Oba was both a deity and a human ruler. The Benin kingdom was known for its very fine brass casting and this small clay head may have served as a casting form for a shrine figure.
[Gallery label text, 2009]
[Gallery label text, 2009]
Keywords
Click a term to view the records with the same keyword
Exhibition List
This object was included in the following exhibitions:
- Traditional Art of Nigeria Memorial Art Gallery 12/11/1964 - 1/31/1965
- Traditional Art of Black Africa Memorial Art Gallery 11/14/1969 - 12/28/1969
- Harris K. Prior Memorial Exhibition 4/2/1976 - 5/2/1976
- Black History Month Exhibition 2/1/1983 - 3/4/1983
Bibliography
This object has the following bibliographic references:
- Article Scope: Reproduction only. Memorial Art Gallery. Handbook Supplement : acquisitions, 1962-68. Rochester, New York: University of Rochester Press, 1968.
- Memorial Art Gallery. ARTiculate. Rochester, NY: Memorial Art Gallery of the University of Rochester, 2000--.
- Article Scope: Entry. Traditional Art of Nigeria: December 11, 1964 to January 31, 1965. Rochester, NY: Memorial Art Gallery of the University of Rochester, 1964.
Portfolio List
Click a portfolio name to view all the objects in that portfolio
This object is a member of the following portfolios: