Benin Style, Nigeria

The Dwarf.   The bronzes of Benin are the outcome of a long tradition. The discovery of the Benin bronzes dates from 1897, when a British punitive expedition stripped the city of Benin of many objects, which were carried to London. Soon after this expedition a newly elected oba (king) did everything to breathe new life into the old arts and was, up to a point, successful. The “Benin style” is a court art from the palace of the divine oba. The oba possessed a monopoly of bronze. This bronze statue is an effigy of a court dwarf. Such dwarfs participated in some special processions headed by the King. The king was riding surrounded by musicians, warriors and dwarfs who were court jesters.  Some dwarfs were appointed to cheer up the oba, the others like this one with its intelligent expression, look philosophical.

Material: African bronze

Size: H. 16”, W. 6½”, D. 5”.