Equestrian Figure – Bronze – Edo – Benin

Unique and high quality bronze equestrian figure from the EDO tribe of Benin. Very complete and detailed bronze horse riding cavalry figure.

Famous worldwide, African bronzes of the Kingdom of EDO are cast in wax molds that are destroyed (technique called the “lost wax” technique). This work begins by modeling a wax sculpture; then, one makes a mold of the sculpture by slightly coating it with refractory material: The Banko. After drying, the whole is heated, the wax melts and flows through the “empty” mold that is provided and arranged for this purpose. At the right moment, the empty wax mold is filled with liquid metal. The wax and bronze transformation is complete. After solidification and cooling of the bronze (brass by Western standards), the mold is broken to extract the sculpture. After which a long and elaborate work follows.

Oranmiyan was a prince who was the first to bring horses to Benin. He lived in the 13th century. According to the legend, it was this warrior prince who arrived from the ancient Yoruba capital Ife. He was the founder of the second (and current) dynasty of Benin.

This nobleman is a member of prince’s retinue. He is wearing full regalia for a royal procession.

Provenance: Manfred Schäfer, former gallery owner from Ulm, Germany