Three Benin "Bronze" Officials dated 1530-1570

3D Model

This plaque shows three high-ranking officials in Beninese cereminial garb. They are wearing helmuts and leopard-teeth necklaces, tunics adorned with leopard faces, and tassels with bells for a clamorous good time. The central figurine carries a box, also ornamented with what looks like a leopard-spotted pelt. The central figure is holding up a cylindrical container with his left hand. These containers were made from bark and leather and carried sacrifical offerings and/or gifts to the king. This is part of the Museum of Fine Arts collection in Boston; however, the British Museum is returning 72 similar “Benin Bronzes” to Nigeria. It is suspected that most of the Benin Bronzes were looted by the British in the 19th Century. This is a quick “unlit” scan of one of many Benin Bronzes in circulation.