Plaque – Bronze – Benin

Heavy bronze panel from the region of Benin. These kind of panels were hung on the walls of the king’s palace and refer to juridical ceremonies.  Very beautiful and finely detailed. The panel is cast in relief using the lost wax method. This makes this panel unique in its kind.
Condition: very nice with a beautiful patina of old age. Total weight: 4200 gram. Custom made stand is included in this lot!

The extraordinary bronzes of the Benin kingdom in what is now Nigeria exhibit a virtuosity and sophistication of style that has astonished the Western world since they were visited in the 15th Century. The people of Benin, called Bini, are descended from the Ife, also known for their remarkable bronzes. Almost all Benin art was created to honor the king , or Oba, who has reigned, with his ancestors, from the 15th century.

Provenance: Manfred Schäfer, former gallery owner from Ulm (Germany).