Edo Commerative Head of a Royal

On an altar in the Benin Kingdom, an ancestor looked out in brass. Cast metal heads were made to honor royal ancestors and placed on altars dedicated to their memory.

This commemorative head is attributed to the Edo peoples of Nigeria and dates to the late 19th century. Fourteen inches tall, it is modeled with calm naturalism: almond-shaped eyes with heavy lids, a broad nose, full, sculpted lips. A row of small holes follows the hairline of the close-fitting cap and outlines the mouth and jaw. Rounded ridges form the neck, with a single hole near the base. The surface is a dark, matte patina, lighter on the forehead and cheeks.

The expression is composed. It was meant to be.