BENIN, PALACE WALL PLAQUE, Bronze, 15", Nigeria
This page is a record of an exhibit that took place in 1998-99. The individual links below will take you to the CURRENT VERSION of the pages that formed part of that exhibit. |
Royal Arts of Africa shows traditional work from the most historic tribal
civilizations, the major kingdoms of Africa. Throughout centuries their
art enhanced royal prestige, validated royal popwer and commemorated past
and present rulers. Cultures and lineages that survive for up to nine centuries
deserve our special notice and respect.
The largest collection appropriately are the cast bronze works from Benin
City, now part of Nigeria. Our pieces are all since the sacknig of the palace
by the British in 1897 and include plaques, which were formerly mounted
on the walls of the palace of the oba, or king, and recorded the history
of the kingdom. Bronze figures or heads of the king or his attendants, varying
in size, were displayed on ancestral altars. Leopards, signifying and restricted
to royalty, were used for water vessels. Belt and hip oirnaments, bells
and other artifacts, plus some museum casts of 17th C. masterpieces, complete
the Benin selections. Yoruba crowns and artifacts from the related Yoruba
culture are also included.
The Fon people, of the Rep. of Benin had iron and brass "asen"
staffs commemorating kings which were displayed in royal compounds, validating
their authority and lineage. Small figural groups of ther kings with attendants
adorn the top round platforms. Asante royalty, from Ghana, use stools, chairs,
staffs, kente cloth and other artifacts to support the monarchy.
The Cameroon Grassfields is organized into many kingdoms with rulers, or
Fon, in inherited offices. Their art reflected the wealth , power and prestige
of thew king and the royal family during leadership ceremonies. The Bangwa
have expressive memorial ancestor figures that legitimized the dynasty.
Flat masks of the Kom, large Bamun headdresses, Bali elephant and Bamileke
buffalo masks all were symbols of priviledge and authority and served as
royal icons.
From the Demo. Rep. of Congo comes the old Kuba kingdom, with "Ndop"
portrait figures and their royal triad of masks. The Luba kingdom is wekk
known for its prestige stoo;s, where a ruler is literally as well as figuratively
supported by a female caryatid figure. TRhe art justifies and helps to perpetruate
the traditional rulers and, reciprocally, these dynasties have created and
preserved some of the most eduring and timeless images of Africa.
Royal Arts of Africa is open June 3 - July 31, and also Sept. 1 - 25, 1999.
We will be installing on Tues. and Weds., June 1 - 2; feel free to stop
by. To celebrate the new show and welcome you, we are having an Opening
Party Sat. June 5, from 12-4. Please note that we are closed during August
except by appt.
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