Benin Bronze Queen Head – An Exquisite Artifact from Ancient Nigeria price request

Description

• Queen’s Head: The head is a common motif in Benin art and represents leadership, royalty, and the divine. The depiction of queens and other royal figures underscores the importance of women in the royal court and the spiritual lives of the Benin people.
• 8 and 6 Pointed Stars: Stars and other celestial motifs are recurrent in many cultures, often symbolizing divinity, the cosmos, and spiritual guidance. In the context of Benin art, while not as prevalent as other motifs, they might denote cosmic balance or divine intervention.
• Cowries: Historically, cowrie shells were not only a form of currency in West Africa but also held spiritual and symbolic importance. Their inclusion might symbolize wealth, fertility, or divine protection.
• Rings with Cowrie Shell Center: This could be a further emphasis on the importance of cowrie shells in Benin culture and their centrality in both economic and spiritual realms.
• Details: The detailed tribal figurations on the hat, rings around the neck, and scarifications on the face are indicative of the skilled craftsmanship of Benin bronze workers. They are also a testament to the cultural and aesthetic standards of the Benin Kingdom.
• Patina: The green patina indicates oxidation, which is a natural process for bronze artifacts exposed to the elements over time. This not only adds to the aesthetic beauty of the piece but can also be an indicator of its age.
• Signs of Use: This suggests that the artifact wasn’t just ornamental but might have served a practical or ritualistic purpose in its time.
• Cast Glitches: Casting bronze is a meticulous process and, in traditional methods, minor glitches or imperfections can occur. These “glitches” add authenticity to the piece, showing it was made by hand.