Benin, Relief Plate in Lost-Wax Casting
42 x 25 cm (1' 5" x 10"), Nigeria

Following the British retaliatory action in 1897, countless cult and decorative objects were brought to Europe as war loot, including such relief plates. The cult practices were banned for the people of Benin, and thus the production of brass casts (bronzes) was forbidden until 1920, when this prohibition was lifted. After these years of artistic inactivity, some artists began to resume the creation of metal casts, hence this excellent relief plate came into existence. The manufacturing method does not differ from earlier pieces; the motif of the ibis bird is also a known element. The depiction of the ibis occupies almost the entire height of the plate, the body is covered with line decorations representing feathers, and nine rosettes adorn the background. The left and right folded sides of the plate are decorated with a meander band. Four holes in the plate indicate a traditional method of attachment. A good age patina covers the entire exceptional plate, which also bears witness to a revived tradition.
Collection: G.F. Vesely, AT