**Originally Listed At $2000**

West Africa, southern Nigeria, Benin Kingdom, Edo peoples, ca. 19th to early-20th century CE. A cast-brass miniature mask meant to hang as a hip or pectoral pendant that was traditionally a marker of rank within the royal court. This visage represents an oba, king, and the openwork / netlike headdress represents beadwork that was made from precious coral. Though the metal composition of this piece is consistent with that of brass, examples like this have traditionally been referred to as bronzes, and the tradition of Benin bronzes date to at least the 15th century onwards, with specialist guilds working for the royal court of the Oba in Benin City. Many pieces were commissioned specifically for the ancestral altars of past Obas and Queen Mothers. They were also used in other rituals to honor the ancestors and to validate the accession of a new Oba. Size: 5.5" L x 4.25" W (14 cm x 10.8 cm)

Provenance: private Los Angeles, California, USA collection, acquired before 2000

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#179426

Losses to openwork bands as shown. Casting imperfections and pitting. Areas of green patina on the interior. Dark toning and patina to exterior.