Plaque
Unknown Artist
1500s–1600s
Medium
Copper alloy
Dimensions
45.7 × 38.1 cm
Classification
Sculpture
Department
African Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
John L. Severance Fund
Accession Number
1999.1
About this artwork
Nearly 900 metal plaques once adorned the Ọba’s palace courtyard, documenting Benin’s history and customs. This one depicts two male attendants (enobore) supporting an Ọba. It uses hierarchical composition: important figures are large and centered. Everything about the Ọba is greater than his companions: their bodies, clothing, and jewelry. The flanking attendants physically support a man weighed down by heavy royal garments and responsibilities. Brasscasters skillfully cast their clasping hands...