J4-Me1

L 8″ x W 7.5″ x H 12.5″

This intricately carved head is a bronze artifact likely originating from the Benin Kingdom in West Africa. It serves as a commemorative portrait, traditionally crafted to honor ancestral figures or past leaders. These statues are often used in religious or ceremonial contexts to connect with and appease the spirits of ancestors.

Created through the sophisticated lost-wax casting technique, this piece showcases the high level of craftsmanship characteristic of the Benin culture. With its distinct incised striations and patina, it reflects artistic styles from the 16th to 18th century. Such artifacts are not only artistic expressions but also hold significant cultural and historical importance, representing the rich heritage and dynastic history of the area.

This analysis was performed by AI and is not to be used as a definitive source of truth.