NIGERIAN BENIN BRASS RELIEF WALL PLAQUE DEPICTING AN OBA. Possibly 17th century. Patinated Benin wall plaque depicting an Oba on horseback; it is a cast brass relief plaque from the Benin Kingdom of Nigeria. It's a powerful piece of court art that served to document and glorify the Oba, or king. The presence of the horse is crucial to the plaque's meaning. Horses were not indigenous to the region and were rare, expensive animals acquired through trade. Therefore, owning a horse was a huge status symbol, and riding one was a privilege restricted to the Oba and high-ranking military chiefs. The plaques were arranged on palace pillars to serve as a visual record of the kingdom's history, commemorating important events, figures, and court life.
Provenance: Aquired in the 1930s at the Carlebach Gallery, also known as the Julius Carlebach Gallery, in New York City. - 17 x 13.75 inches. Estimate $800-1,200
In fair condition. Item has a few small scratches and smudges.
