The Project Gutenberg eBook, Antique Works of Art from Benin, by Augustus Henry Lane-Fox Pitt-Rivers

The cover image was produced by the transcriber using an illustration from the book, and is placed in the public domain.

ANTIQUE WORKS OF ART
FROM
BENIN,

COLLECTED BY
LIEUTENANT-GENERAL PITT RIVERS,
D.C.L., F.R.S., F.S.A.
Inspector of Ancient Monuments in Great Britain, &c.

PRINTED PRIVATELY.
1900.

LONDON:
HARRISON AND SONS, PRINTERS IN ORDINARY TO HER MAJESTY,
ST. MARTIN’S LANE, W.C.

[WORKS OF ART FROM BENIN,]
WEST AFRICA.

OBTAINED BY THE PUNITIVE EXPEDITION IN 1897, AND NOW IN GENERAL PITT RIVERS’S MUSEUM AT FARNHAM, DORSET.

Benin is situated on the Guinea Coast, near the mouth of the Niger, in latitude 6·12 north, and longitude 5 to 6 east.

It was discovered by the Portuguese at the end of the fourteenth or commencement of the fifteenth centuries. The Portuguese were followed by the Dutch and Swedes, and in 1553 the first English expedition arrived on the coast, and established a trade with the king, who received them willingly.

Benin at that time appears by a Dutch narrative to have been quite a large city, surrounded by a high wall, and having a broad street through the centre. The people were comparatively civilized. The king possessed a number of horses which have long since disappeared and become unknown. Faulkner, in 1825, saw three solitary horses belonging to the king, which he says no one was bold enough to ride.

In 1702 a Dutchman, named Nyendaeel, describes the city, and speaks of the human sacrifices there. He says that the people were great makers of ornamental brass work in his day, which they seem to have learnt from the Portuguese. It was visited by Sir Richard Burton, who went there to try to put a stop to human sacrifices, at the time he was consul at Fernando Po. In 1892 it was visited by Captain H. L. Galloway, who speaks of the city as possessing only the ruins of its former greatness; the abolition of the slave trade had put a stop to the prosperity of the place, and the king had prohibited any intercourse with Europeans. The town had been reduced to a collection of huts, and its trade had dwindled down to almost nil. The houses have a sort of impluvium in the centre of the rooms, which has led some to suppose that their style of architecture may have been derived from the Roman colonies of North Africa.

In 1896 an expedition, consisting of some 250 men, with presents and merchandise, left the British settlements on the coast, and endeavoured to advance towards Benin city. The expedition was conducted with courage and perseverance, but with the utmost rashness. Almost unarmed, neglecting all ordinary precautions, contrary to the advice of the neighbouring chiefs, and with the express prohibition of the King of Benin to advance, they marched straight into an ambuscade which had been prepared for them in the forest on each side of the road, and as their revolvers were locked up in their boxes at the time, they were massacred to a man with the exception of two, Captain Boisragon and Mr. Locke, who, after suffering the utmost hardships, escaped to the British settlements on the coast to tell the tale.

Within five weeks after the occurrence, a punitive expedition entered Benin, on 18th January, 1897, and took the town. The king fled, but was afterwards brought back and made to humiliate himself before his conquerers, and his territory annexed to the British crown.

The city was found in a terrible state of bloodshed and disorder, saturated with the blood of human sacrifices offered up to their Juju, or religious rites and customs, for which the place had long been recognised as the “city of blood.”

What may be hereafter the advantages to trade resulting from this expedition it is difficult to say, but the point of chief interest in connection with the subject of this paper was the discovery, mostly in the king’s compound and the Juju houses, of numerous works of art in brass, bronze, and ivory, which, as before stated, were mentioned by the Dutchman, Van Nyendaeel, as having been constructed by the people of Benin in 1700.

These antiquities were brought away by the members of the punitive expedition and sold in London and elsewhere. Little or no account of them could be given by the natives, and as the expedition was as usual unaccompanied by any scientific explorer charged with the duty of making inquiries upon matters of historic and antiquarian interest, no reliable information about them could be obtained. They were found buried and covered with blood, some of them having been used amongst the apparatus of their Juju sacrifices.

A good collection of these antiquities, through the agency of Mr. Charles Read, F.S.A., has found its way into the British Museum; others no doubt have fallen into the hands of persons whose chief interest in them has been as relics of a sensational and bloody episode, but their real value consists in their representing a phase of art—and rather an advanced stage—of which there is no actual record, although no doubt we cannot be far wrong in attributing it to European influence, probably that of the Portuguese some time in the sixteenth century.

A. P. R.

Rushmore, Salisbury,
April, 1900.

[DESCRIPTION OF PLATE I.]

Fig. 1.—Bronze plaque, representing two warriors with broad leaf-shaped swords in their right hands. Coral or agate head-dress. Coral chokers, badge of rank. Leopards’ teeth necklace. Coral scarf across shoulder. Leopards’ heads hanging on left sides. Skirts each ornamented with a human head. Armlets, anklets, etc. Ground ornamented with the usual foil ornament incised.

Fig. 2.—Bronze plaque, representing two figures holding plaques or books in front. Coral chokers, badge of rank. Reticulated head-dresses of coral or agate, similar to that represented in Plate XXI, Fig. [121]. Barbed objects of unknown use behind left shoulders, ornamented with straight line diaper pattern. Ground ornamented with foil ornaments incised. Guilloche on sides of plaque.

Fig. 3.—Bronze plaque, representing three warriors, two with feathers in head-dress and trefoil leaves at top; one with pot helmet, button on top. The latter has a coral choker, badge of rank, and all have leopards’ teeth necklaces. The central figure has a cylindrical case on shoulder. Two have hands on their sword-hilts. All three have leopards’ heads on breast, and quadrangular bells hanging from neck. Leopards’ skins and other objects hang on left sides. Ground ornamented with foil ornaments incised.

Fig. 4.—Bronze plaque, figure of warrior with spear in right hand, shield on left shoulder. Head-dress of coral or agate, similar to that represented in Plate XXI, Fig. [121]. Quadrangular bell hanging from neck. Chain-like anklets. Coral choker, badge of rank, and leopards’ teeth necklace. A nude attendant on right upholds a large broad leaf-shaped sword, with a ring attached to pommel. Another holds two sistri or bells fastened together by a chain. Small figure on left is blowing an elephant’s tusk trumpet. Figures above in profile are holding up tablets or books. The dress of one of them is fastened with tags or loops of unusual form. These figures have Roman noses, and are evidently not negro. Ground ornamented with the usual foil ornament incised.

[DESCRIPTION OF PLATE II.]

Figs. 5 and 6.—Bronze plaque, representing a warrior in centre, turned to his left. He has a beard and a necklace of leopards’ teeth, but no coral choker. He has a high helmet, somewhat in the form of a grenadier cap. Quadrangular bell on neck. Dagger in sheath on right side, and various appurtenances hanging from his dress. He holds a narrow leaf-shaped sword in his right hand over an enemy who has fallen, and who has already a leaf-shaped sword thrust through his body. The victim has a sword-sheath on left side, with broad end, and a peculiar head-dress. His horse is represented below with an attendant holding it by a chain and carrying barbed darts in his left hand. On the right of the conqueror is a small figure blowing a tusk trumpet, and on his right a larger figure carrying a shield in his left hand and a cluster of weapons. He has a high helmet, ornamented with representations of cowrie shells of nearly the same form as that of the central figure. Above are two figures, one blowing what appears to be a musical instrument and the other carrying a barbed pointed implement, and armed with a sword in sheath similar to that of the fallen warrior. The plaque appears to represent a victory of some kind, and all the conquerors have the same high helmet. The ground is ornamented with the usual foil ornament incised.

Figs. 7 and 8.—Bronze plaque, representing a king or noble on horseback sitting sideways, his hands upheld by attendants, one of whom has a long thin sword in his hand in sheath. Two attendants, with helmets or hair represented by ribs, are holding up shields to shelter the king from the sun. The king or noble has a coral choker, badge of rank, with a coral necklace hanging on breast. Horse’s head-collar hung with crotals. A small attendant carries a “manilla” in his hand. The two figures above are armed with bows and arrows. Ground ornamented with foil ornaments incised.

De Bry, “India Orientalis,” says that in the sixteenth century both the king and chiefs were wont to ride side-saddle upon led horses. They were supported by retainers, who held over their heads either shields or umbrellas, and accompanied by a band of musicians playing on ivory horns, gong-gongs, drums, harps, and a kind of rattle.

[DESCRIPTION OF PLATE III.]

Fig. 9.—Bronze plaque, naked figure of boy; hair in conventional bands; three tribal marks over each eye and band on forehead. Coral choker, badge of rank. Armlets and anklets. Four rosettes on ground and usual foil ornaments. De Bry says that all young people went naked until marriage.

Fig. 10.—Bronze plaque, figure of warrior with helmet or hair represented by ribs. Leaf-shaped sword upheld in right hand. A bundle of objects on head upheld by left hand. Object resembling a despatch case on left side, fastened by a belt over right shoulder. Human mask on left side. Four fishes on ground, and the usual foil ornaments incised.

Figs. 11 and 12.—Bronze plaque, representing a figure holding a ball, perhaps a cannon ball, in front. Coral choker, badge of rank. Three tribal marks over each eye. Crest on head-dress, feather in cap. Skirt wound up behind left shoulder. Skirt ornamented with a head and hands. Four rosettes on ground, and usual foil ornaments incised. Guilloche on sides of plaque.

[DESCRIPTION OF PLATE IV.]

Fig. 13.—Bronze plaque, figure of warrior, feather in cap; broad leaf-shaped sword in right hand. Coral choker, badge of rank. Leopards’ teeth necklace. Coral sash; ground ornamented with leaf-shaped foil, ornaments incised.

Figs. 14 and 15.—Bronze ægis or plaque, with representations of two figures with staves in their right hands. Coral chokers, badge of rank. On the breasts are two Maltese crosses hanging from the necks, which appear to be European Orders. The objects held in left hands have been broken off. The hats are similar to that on the head of the figure, Fig. [91], Plate XV. Ground ornamented with the usual foil ornaments incised.

Fig. 16.—Bronze plaque, figure of warrior with pot helmet, button on top. Coral choker, badge of rank, on neck. Leopards’ teeth necklace. Quadrangular bell on breast. Armlets, anklets, &c. Four rosettes on ground, and the usual foil ornaments incised.

Fig. 17.—Bronze plaque, figure of warrior with spear in right hand, shield in left hand; pot helmet, button on top. Quadrangular bell hanging from neck. Coral choker, badge of rank. Leopards’ teeth necklace. Leopard’s skin dress with head to front. On the ground are two horses’ heads below and two rosettes above. Ground ornamented with the usual foil ornaments incised.

Fig. 18.—Bronze plaque, figure of warrior. Peculiarly ornamented head-dress. Coral choker, badge of rank. Leopards’ teeth necklace. Broad leaf-shaped sword in right hand. Coral sash on breast. Leopard’s mask hanging on left side. Armlets, anklets, &c. Small figure of boy, naked, to right, holding a metal dish with lid in form of an ox’s head. A similar object may be seen amongst the Benin objects in the British Museum.

[DESCRIPTION OF PLATE V.]

Figs. 19, 20 and 21.—Stained ivory carving of figure on horse. Coral choker; spear in right hand, the shaft broken. Tribal marks on forehead incised. Chain-bridle or head-collar. Degenerate guilloche pattern on base. Straight line diaper pattern represented in various parts. The stand formed as a socket for a pole.

Figs. 22, 23 and 24.—Ivory carving of figure on horse, with spear in right hand and bell on neck, and long hair. The bridle formed as a head-collar. Degenerate guilloche pattern on base. The stand formed as a socket for a pole ornamented with bands of interlaced pattern and the head of an animal.

[DESCRIPTION OF PLATE VI.]

Figs. 25 and 26.—Ivory carving of a human face. Eyes and bands on forehead inlaid. Straight line diaper pattern on head-dress, above which are conventionalised mud-fish. Four bands of coral across forehead. Ears long and narrow. Found hidden in an oaken chest inside the sleeping apartment of King Duboar.

Fig. 27.—Carved wooden panel, consisting of a chief in the centre; broad leaf-shaped sword, with ring attached to pommel, upheld in right hand, studded with copper nails, and ornamented with representations of itself. In left hand a fan-shaped figure terminating in two hands. Coral choker, badge of rank. Bell on neck and cross-belts. Skirt ornamented with three heads and a guilloche pattern of three bands with pellets. Anklets. Attendant on left holding umbrella over chief’s head. Serpent with human arm and hand in its mouth, head upwards; eyes of inlaid glass; body studded with copper nails. Leopard, drawn head upwards. On right, figure with jug in left hand and cup in right hand, standing in a trough or open vessel. Small attendant with paddle in right hand. At top a bottle bound with grass, and figure of some object, perhaps a stone celt bound with grass. Brass and iron screws are used for ornamentation in this carving. Guilloche pattern of two bands without pellets around the edge of the panel.

Figs. 28, 29 and 30.—Ivory carved tusk, 4 feet 1 inch long from bottom to point; traversed by five bands of interlaced strap-work. The other ornamentation consists of:—Human figures with hands crossed on breast; bird standing on pedestal; human figures with hands holding sashes; trees growing downwards; a rosette; mudfish; crocodiles with heads upwards; a serpent with sinuous body, head downwards; two cups; a serpent, head upwards; detached human heads. Some of the representations are so rude that it requires experience to understand their meaning. On this tusk the interlaced pattern is the prevailing ornament, and it passes into the guilloche pattern. This tusk is more tastefully decorated than the other tusk, Figs. [167 and 168], Plate XXVI, but with less variety in the carving. These carved tusks are said to represent gods in the Ju-ju houses.

[DESCRIPTION OF PLATE VII.]

Figs. 31 and 32.—Ivory carving of female. The design as rude as found in any part of Africa. Necklet and armlets the same as on the bronze figures.

Fig. 33.—Ivory cup, stained brown.

Fig. 34.—Bronze drinking cup, the same as represented in wood-carving, Fig. [27], Plate VI.

Figs. 35 and 36.—Lion in bronze. The back is cut in a curved line, as if adapting it as a foot to some object.

Fig. 37.—Bracelet of brass, somewhat twisted.

Fig. 38.—Bracelet of brass, with five projections set with agate.

Figs. 39 and 40.—Brass bracelet, with negro heads of copper inlaid. Mud-fish springing from nose on each side and turned up. Coral chokers, badges of rank. The ring is decorated with incised floral ornaments.

[DESCRIPTION OF PLATE VIII.]

Figs. 41 and 42.—Figure of a warrior in bronze, with leopard’s skin dress; javelins in one hand and shield in the other. Head-dress of peculiar form, with feathers. Leopards’ teeth necklace. Quadrangular bell on breast.

Figs. 43 and 44.—Female figure in bronze, holding up a tablet in right hand. Head-dress, necklace, &c., of coral or agate. Three tribal marks over each eye.

Figs. 45 and 46.—Bronze vessel, somewhat in the form of a coffee-pot. Handle at back, consisting of a snake with a sinuous body, head downwards, holding a full-length human figure in its mouth. The spout consists of a human figure, seated, with two tails; and the spout springs out of the mouth between the teeth of the figure. Round the swell of the vessel are four figures resembling frogs, the bodies ornamented as human heads; nearly similar ornaments are seen on Mexican stone carvings in this collection. The four feet resemble human feet with anklets, all pointing to the front. The lid is ornamented with a human figure seated and four masks, and is fastened to the pot by a hinge.

Figs. 47 and 48.—Bracelet of bronze, ornamented with two rudely formed human heads; some of the yellow earth of the mould appears to be adhering to the interstices.

[DESCRIPTION OF PLATE IX.]

Figs. 49 and 50.—Narrow armlet of brass, with a succession of animals (? Lizards) in relief on the edge.

Figs. 51 and 52.—Bronze pointed dish on stand, with ribbed cover, rabbetted. Use unknown; perhaps an European ecclesiastical utensil.

Figs. 53 to 55.—Head of a mace, ornamented with leopard and keepers and heads in bas-relief; decorated with interlaced strap-work, with brass inlaid in copper. The human heads are partly negro, whilst others from their straight hair appear to be white men, perhaps Arabs or cross-breds. The mud-fish is represented one on each side. Described by Mr. H. Ling Roth in “The Reliquary,” Vol. IV, 1898, p. 162.

Figs. 56 and 57.—Bronze bottle or power flask, representing a female with barbed arrow-points extending from both sides of the mouth; perhaps symbolical; and holding a four-pronged instrument in the right hand. Three tribal marks over each eye; coral necklace.

[DESCRIPTION OF PLATE X.]

Figs. 58 and 59.—Leopard’s mask head of brass, the pupils of the eyes represented by a copper band. A band of copper inlaid along the nose and forehead. A barbed figure on each cheek.

Figs. 60 and 61.—Leopard’s mask head of brass, the pupils of the eyes represented by bands. A barbed figure on each cheek. Eyelets along the edges, perhaps to receive crotals as in Figs. [58 and 59].

Figs. 62 and 63.—Leopard’s head in brass, the spots and pupils of eyes in copper. This appears to have been attached with a leather thong to the dress.

Figs. 64 and 65.—Bronze vase. The design appears to be purely native. It is ornamented with four human masks, two of which are ribbed. There are two elephants’ heads with tusks, but no trunks over each ribbed head. Four bands of plain guilloche pattern arranged vertically between the heads. Concentric circles. Thickness of metal on unornamented parts, 2 mm.

[DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XI.]

Figs. 66 to 72.—The historic mace of office of Duboar, late King of Benin; 5 feet 4 inches long, and made of brass. This was found by an officer of the expedition in the state apartment of the palaver house, and was evidently left behind by the king’s people on account of its heavy weight, in their hurried exodus from Benin city; the king is said to have since recognized this staff, and stated that it had been handed down for many hundreds of years from king to king. It has the representation of “Overami,” or reigning monarch, on the summit, dressed in the usual manner of Benin warriors. He is standing on an elephant which has a proboscis terminating in a human hand. This peculiarity is represented very often in the bronze antiquities of the Benin country, and especially on the carved tusk, Figs. [167 and 168], Plate XXVI, and must probably represent some great fetish; the present race, on enquiries being made, could not elucidate this matter, so its history must date back many ages. This elephant is in turn supported by the usual two royal leopards. The monarch holds in his right hand his chief ju-ju, which never leaves him night or day; in his left hand he holds a neolithic or stone axe head, edge upwards, which are looked up to by the natives even now with great awe and superstition. The interior of the upper part of the mace is hollow, having a piece of metal inside, formed like a long crotal, and was used as a bell to keep order. The broad leaf-shaped swords and the execution swords are depicted in several places over the mace. It is ornamented with guilloche pattern of two and three bands with intervening pellets. Part of the mace is ornamented in imitation of twine binding. Near the foot of the staff is the figure of another elephant with proboscis terminating in a human hand, holding a plant like a prickly-pear. Beneath the elephant are two human figures, with Maltese crosses on breasts, axes in left hands, and sticks in right. Below this are two axes hafted in serpents’ heads, which have human hands in their mouths and sinuous bodies. Crocodile, head downwards, and two interlaced mud-fish.

[DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XII.]

Figs. 73 to 75.—Three triangular brass bells. Fig. 73 has a negro head in relief on the front and fish-scale pattern.

Fig. 74 has the eyes, nose and mouth of a human face only.

Fig. 75 has a spiral in place of a face.

Figs. 76 to 78.—Sistrum in brass, representing two cups, the lower one ornamented with a figure holding a ball. The upper figures on each side represent a king with the arms upheld by attendants on both sides; on one side the attendants are kneeling. A hand holding a plaque or book is represented on each side. Crotals are attached to the sistrum on both sides. A stand in form of a socket to fit a pole and a band ornamented with interlaced strap-work. This object appears certainly to be a sistrum, as human figures are shown in some of the plaques holding them in their hands and striking them with a rod to produce a sound. A similar instrument in iron, modern, is figured by Mr. Ling Roth, in “The Reliquary,” Vol. IV, 1898, p. 165, from the Yoruba country.

[DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XIII.]

Figs. 79 to 81.—Figure of a warrior on horseback. Spear in right hand, the blade having an ogee corrugated section, similar to those used in all parts of Africa where metal blades are used. The edges of the blade are bent over by rough usage, which makes it look like a spoon. The duct for the metal runs from the head of the horse. Darts in left hand. The ends of the spear and darts are bent inwards, as if by rough usage. The chain halter is similar to those seen on other horses and is used as a bridle, held by the little finger of the left hand. A circular shield, similar to the one in this collection (Plate XVIII, Fig. [102]), though differently decorated, is slung on the left side over the thigh. The spurs attached to the legs have four points arranged horizontally. The figure has a leopard’s skin on front and back, ornamented with representations of cowrie shells. The coat and collar bordered with interlaced strap-work. Dagger on right side. Crown, apparently of feathers, on head. Base ornamented with interlaced strap-work or guilloche pattern. The horse is fairly well formed. The hair conventionalized in straight lines. The face is that of a negro.

[DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XIV.]

Figs. 82 and 83.—Well-formed bronze head of a negress. Reticulated head-dress of agate or coral. Coral necklace. Pendant of agate on centre of forehead. The pupils of the eyes inlaid apparently with iron. The upper lip has been inlaid probably with brass. Eleven bands of coral or agate hang from the head-dress on each side. Well-formed ears. This and Figs. [88 and 89], Plate XV, and Figs. [98 and 99], Plate XVII, are the best formed heads in the collection.

Figs. 84 and 85.—Bronze figure firing a gun, probably representing an European, with beard, presenting a flint-lock gun. The barrel of the gun is broken off at the left hand. European morion of the sixteenth century on head, ornamented with interlaced strap-work. Sword or cutlass with European guard and a flint-lock pistol slung on left side. On the right side, a dagger. Armour ornamented with strap-work or interlaced work. On the pedestal are represented two flint-lock pistols, a cross-bow, a three-pronged spear, two figures holding guns and interlaced strap-work.

[DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XV.]

Figs. 86 and 87.—Brass head inlaid with a copper band along the nose. The pupils of the eyes inlaid with iron. Reticulated head-dress of coral or agate. Three tribal marks over each eye. Conventionalized mud-fish in a frill around neck.

Figs. 88 and 89.—Well-formed head in bronze, the forehead decorated with two inlaid bands and four raised tribal marks over each eye. The pupils of the eyes inlaid apparently with iron. Coral necklace. The hair in conventional bands of ridges; the ears unusually well formed.

Figs. 90 and 91.—Human figure standing in bronze. Negro features. Three tribal marks over each eye. Curved lines of circles and hatchings above and below the eyes. Three radiating lines branching from the corners of the mouth. Pot helmet, with brim and reticulated ornamentation. The ears are very rudely formed. An object somewhat resembling a key or axe in the left hand. There appears to have been a staff or pole in the right hand. A cross with equal arms hangs on the breast by a chain, apparently resembling a religious order. The skirt only slightly tucked up on left side, ornamented with a guilloche pattern of two bands. A rough cast. This figure is very similar to Figs. [293 and 294], Plate XXXVIII.

Figs. 92 and 93.—Female, in bronze, with staff in left hand. Skirt ornamented with three bands of guilloche pattern. Head-dress of coral or agate. Coral choker, and tribal marks.

[DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XVI.]

Figs. 94 and 95.—Bronze cast of human head. Negro features. Three tribal marks over each eye. Pupils of eyes inlaid with iron. Reticulated head-dress and rosettes of coral or agate, similar to that represented in Plate XXI, Fig. [121]. Coral choker, badge of rank. Twelve bands of coral and a band apparently of plaited hair hanging from head-dress on each side.

Figs. 96 and 97.—Human head in brass. Marked negro features, tattoed with dots and hatchings above and below the eyes. Branch-like figures, perhaps coral, growing out of the eyes. Three tribal marks over each eye. Pupils of eyes inlaid with iron. Reticulated head-dress and rosettes, of coral or agate, similar to those represented in Plate XXI, Fig. [121]. Peculiar figures on each side of the head-dress, perhaps representing feathers. Coral choker, badge of rank. Bands of coral or agate hang down from the head-dress at the sides and back of the head. On the projecting base are represented two leopards, an ox’s head, and other animals, four arms and hands, and a neolithic celt in front.

[DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XVII.]

Figs. 98 and 99.—Well-formed head in bronze, the forehead decorated with two inlaid bands and four raised cicatrices (tribal marks) over each eye. The pupils of the eyes inlaid apparently with iron, coral necklace, a badge of rank. The metal is very thin, being only 1 mm. in thickness. The hair in conventional bands of ridges; the ears unusually well formed.

Figs. 100 and 101.—Bronze cast of human head. Marked negro features, rudely formed. Three tribal marks over each eye. Peculiar pointed reticulated head-dress of coral or agate. Curious lines of incised circles above and below the eyes. Coral choker, badge of rank. Bands of coral or agate hanging down on both sides and at the back. Ears badly formed. The projecting base ornamented with a guilloche pattern of two bands with pellets.

[DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XVIII.]

Fig. 102.—Brass shield, 2 feet in diameter and ·08 inch in thickness, ornamented with three concentric rings. The outer one represents a row of leopards, with human heads and head-dresses alternating. A broad leaf-shaped sword, similar to Fig. [106], and two execution swords, similar to Fig. [110], are also represented on this ring. The middle ring is ornamented with a serpent with sinuous body, having its tail in its mouth. The inner ring is filled with foil ornaments, and small circles cover both this and the outer ring. There is a square hole in the centre for the attachment of the handle. The shield resembles that slung on the left hip of the mounted warrior, Figs. [79 to 81], Plate XIII, but with different ornamentation.

Fig. 103.—Iron dart, or spear, 5 feet 1 inch long, with wooden shaft. The blade is leaf-shaped with socket, and is rudely forged.

Fig. 104.—Iron dart, 3 feet 7¼ inches long, with barbed head and iron shaft.

Fig. 105.—Iron dagger, or short sword, length 16¼ inches; the incised ornamentation is on alternate sides, like those of the Gaboon and other parts of Africa. There are also sinuous lines engraved on alternate sides. It is rudely forged, and the handle is very small and bound with strips of copper.

Fig. 106.—Iron leaf-shaped sword, length 19¼ inches, similar in form to those frequently represented in the hands of warriors on the plaques. It is rudely forged. The wooden handle is inlaid with copper.

Fig. 107.—Iron leaf-shaped sword, length 19½ inches, with alternating ornamentation on the opposite sides of the blade, similar to that prevailing in the Gaboon and other parts of Africa. The handle is very small, and is bound with strips of iron.

Figs. 108 and 109.—Brass implement, resembling a bill-hook. The edge is on the convex side and the concave side is blunt. It is pierced with five holes and engraved with hatchings in Benin style, in which are included two stars, a cross, and three crocodiles.

Fig. 110.—Iron execution sword, 3 feet 1 inch long, hilt and pommel of brass, with copper inlaid ornamentation. The grip bound with brass wire. It is single-edged, the edge being on the convex side. It resembles the swords engraved on the circular shield, Fig. [102], one on each side of the broad leaf-shaped sword. This kind of sword is held in the hands of warriors on two plaques in this collection, Fig. [254], Plate XXXIII, and Fig. [291], Plate XXXVIII. It is also seen on the carved cocoa-nut, Fig. [220], Plate XXX, and elsewhere. It is rudely forged.

[DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XIX.]

Fig. 111.—Bronze ægis, representing a chief standing with attendants holding up his hands in a manner similar to Figs. [76-78], Plate XII, and Figs. [167 and 168], Plate XXVIII. Frogs between the feet. Cylindrical spikes on head-dresses.

Fig. 112.—Bronze ægis, representing man on horseback to left, wearing single-edged sword with guard. A ranseur of the sixteenth or seventeenth century in right hand, point down. The hair is straight and combed out, and may probably represent a white man. The chain bridle is held up in left hand. Small crotals with chains hang from the eyelets on the edge of the ægis. Pattern of fish-scales on ground similar to that on the brass bell, Fig. [73], Plate XII, and elsewhere.

Figs. 113 and 114.—Bronze plaque, representing a figure standing; long spear, multibarbed, with ogee-sectioned blade in right hand, pointing downwards, knob at butt end. There are twelve ducts running from the ground of the plaque to the shaft of the spear. In left hand a broad leaf-shaped sword, with a ring attached to pommel, like Figs. 4, 13, 114, 131, 254, 255, &c. Dress like a nightshirt, and composed apparently of strings of coral, with bare arms. Dagger or short sword on left side. Quadrangular bell on neck; teeth necklace; coral choker, badge of rank. Head-dress of metal, in form somewhat resembling a grenadier cap. Six rosettes on ground, and quatrefoil leaves incised.

[DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XX.]

Fig. 115.—Brass key, a good deal filed and tooled all over. Handle ornamented with twisted rope pattern. The form of this key cannot be identified as Roman, and is probably European.

Fig. 116.—Bronze stand for the game of mancala, with ten holes and two irregular-shaped cavities in the centre. It is the same game as Figs. [184 and 185], Plate XXVIII, but with fewer holes. The sides are ornamented with interlaced strap-work, and the stem and the edge of the base with varieties of guilloche pattern. This game is distributed nearly all over Africa, and is said to be found wherever Arab influence is seen. It is also found in Palestine, Syria, Arabia, Maldive Islands, India, Ceylon, Malay Peninsula, Java, and the Philippine Islands.

Fig. 117.—Brass bell, with reticulated pierced work. Negro head on front. This bell is interesting as being a survival of the bells so often seen hanging from the necks of the figures on the plaques. It is evident that it never could have emitted any sound.

Fig. 118.—Entire tortoise shell, upper and under sides, in brass; ornamented on the upper side with geometrical pattern; each figure inlaid with a copper bolt or stud in the centre.

Figs. 119 and 120.—Bronze human head for holding carved elephants’ tusks. The head-dress, pointed and reticulated, representing coral or agate. Four tribal marks over each eye. Six vertical bands of inlaid iron-work over the nose. The pupils of the eyes are of iron. The head-dress resembles Figs. [100 and 101], Plate XVII. Coral choker. Guilloche pattern on projecting base.

[DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XXI.]

Fig. 121.—Head-dress composed entirely of agate. It serves to explain the construction of the head-dresses on the bronze plaques and figures, showing how the reticulated effect on the plaques is formed by beads of agate strung together in a kind of network. The rosettes of agate, and the tags and pendants are also explained by this figure. See Figs. 2, 4, 43, 44, 82, 83, 86, 87, 94, 95, 96, 97, 100, 101, 119, 120, 124, 125, 126, 127, 232-234, 277, 278, &c.

Figs. 122 and 123.—Circular brass box, ornamented on the top with a central figure in repoussé work, holding two crocodiles upright in each hand. The legs terminate in a band turned up on each side as shown in other designs in Benin art. There are also circular heads having tribal marks over the eyes. Rosettes, guilloche and fish-scale patterns are also represented in repoussé. The pieces of the box are rivetted together with bands of copper. This appears to be the kind of box represented in the hands of one of the smaller figures in the plaque, Fig. [179], Plate XXVII. The latter, however, is taller. These objects have been described by Mr. C. Read as drums in his paper in the “Journ. Anthrop. Inst.,” Vol. XXVII, Plate XVIII, Fig. 4. Viewed as a drum, the projecting flanges at top and bottom are not explained.

Figs. 124 and 125.—Human mask of brass; the pupils of the eyes inlaid with iron. Reticulated head-dress, with rosettes probably of agate. Three tribal marks over each eye. Rows of semi-circles filled with semi-circles round neck. The features are rounded, and, although a good deal tooled, are less flattened by filing than some of these masks. This is a good specimen of Benin art.

Figs. 126 and 127.—Human mask of brass; the pupils of the eyes inlaid with iron. Reticulated head-dress, with rosettes probably of agate. Coral band above the forehead. Three tribal marks over each eye. Ears badly formed. Coral choker, badge of rank. Guilloche pattern, with pellets round neck. The face is very much tooled and filed, and the lips and nose flattened by filing. Crotals have probably been suspended from the eyelets below, as indicated by the eight links of chains left remaining (see Plate XIX, Fig. [112]).

[DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XXII.]

Fig. 128.—Armlet entirely of brass, without other metal. Ornamented with four upright figures and four horizontal heads. The upright figures have their forearms elevated. The legs are very attenuated and the skirt of the dress very pronounced. Eyebrows extremely prominent, and the head-dress of peculiar form and conical. The armlet is surmounted by raised bands, which pass over the figures, and are separated by pierced work. Broad rims are shown at top and bottom, and are edged with herring-bone pattern.

Fig. 129.—Bronze plaque, representing human figure with beard, riding to right; a ranseur of the sixteenth or seventeenth century in right hand, point downwards. Hair combed out straight. No tribal marks. Bodice fastened with buttons. Pleated kilt like Figs. [235 and 236], Plate XXXI, and Fig. [247], Plate XXXII. Twisted or plaited bridle of some limp substance in left hand. Bell and crotals on horse’s neck. Leopards in relief behind figure of horse. Ground ornamented with trefoil leaves and punch-marks. This figure does not appear to be negro. The horse appears to be galloping, which is not the usual Benin method of locomotion.

Fig. 130.—Bronze plaque, representing two warriors with long, narrow, leaf-shaped swords upheld in right hands. Peculiar head-dress, a broad band on the frontal. Hair parted in the middle and hanging down behind. One figure has a beard. Both have objects resembling bows slung upon left arm. Leopards’ teeth necklaces and quadrangular bells hanging from necks. Ground ornamented with leaf-shaped foil ornaments incised.

Fig. 131.—Bronze plaque, representing five figures; central figure holding a staff of unusual form in right hand; coral choker; oval head-dress; small bells attached to straps hanging down from girdle; anklets and armlets, the former adorned with crotals; left hand on handle of sword in scabbard on left side. Small figures on each side with javelins, the points in a sheath. The larger attendants on each side holding shields over the central figure, as described by De Bry in the seventeenth century. All the attendants have a bag on right side, strapped over shoulder. One of the smaller attendants has a broad leaf-shaped sword upheld in right hand, holding it by the ring attached to the pommel.

[DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XXIII.]

Figs. 132 and 133.—Small head of boy, in bronze, with three raised tribal marks over each eye, and two vertical marks on forehead. Head-dress with crest.

Fig. 134.—Figures in bronze, representing two rude human figures, male and female, attending an animal, probably a bear. A plate, or board, of three rows of circles with ten circles in each row, is laid out before the figures, and is perhaps a game of mancala, of which examples are seen in Plate XX, Fig. [116], and Plate XXVIII, Figs. [184 and 185]. The female figure has very large anklets, and her hands are spread upon her stomach. The hair is plaited and ornamented with knobs, resembling a Mexican pottery figure in this collection. The hair of the male figure is plaited and turned over on the left side, and he is sitting cross-legged. His left arm and hand are spread upon the bear, and he has a rod in the right hand. A burnt core of sand is seen under the thin metal pedestal.

Fig. 135.—Brass bottle, hung by chain, and ornamented with representation of twisted twine, and a guilloche pattern without pellets round the swell. The rings for hanging it are similar to those on the powder flask, Figs. [56 and 57], Plate IX. A similar brass bottle, but smaller, is represented in Plate XXXV, Fig. [267].

Figs. 137 and 138.—A very rude head of bronze; probably used as the stand for a carved tusk. Four tribal marks over each eye; the eyes projecting like those of Figs. [265-6], Plate 35. This is the rudest head in the collection.

Fig. 139.—A cylindrical stand of bronze, for carved tusks, representing on the outside four female figures standing, with bands of upright interlaced strap-work between. All the figures are holding objects in their hands. One holds a bird, another a sistrum, which is being beaten with a stick; the rest are broken. Two of the bands of interlaced strap-work are of thin repoussé work, and nailed on with bronze nails. The base and top are ornamented with looped straps, similar to No. [140]. All the figures have three incised tribal marks over the eyes, and crested head-gear. A vertical hole for the carved tusk runs down the centre, like those in all the human heads.

Fig. 140.—Armlet of brass, pierced work, ornamented with bands of looped straps, similar to Fig. [139], and two bands of concentric semicircles alternating with Maltese crosses. Around the centre is a band of broken guilloche pattern, forming a transitional link between the guilloche, and a peculiar floral ornament common to Benin art. The representation of European screw-heads forms part of the ornamentation, and raised eyelets alternate with the screw-head ornaments.

Fig. 141.—Armlet of copper, ornamented with horizontal human heads of brass. The head-dresses are ornamented with fish-scale pattern, and the hair is combed out straight. The heads alternate with double-coiled mud-fish, resembling Fig. [276], Plate XXXVI. It is not quite easy to understand how this work was done. Both the copper and the brass appear to have been formed by casting.

[DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XXIV.]

Fig. 142.—Bronze open-mouthed vessel, with six projecting eyelets round the neck, and a handle.

Figs. 143 and 144.—Bronze or brass figure of cock, 22 inches high, including pedestal. The feathers are represented in straight and curved lines of hatchings. The pupils of the eyes are inlaid copper, of lozenge-shaped form. The tarsus is unnaturally broad. On the top of the pedestal in front is a Maltese cross, with a band of interlaced strap-work. The sides of the base are ornamented with interlaced strap-work, and representations of three ox’s heads are on the front. A fine specimen of barbaric art.

Figs. 145 and 146.—Human naked figure of bronze. A large thick plaster covers the whole of the back, and is fastened on with cords round the arms and legs. Mr. H. Ling Roth believes this to represent a cure for cretinism, and says that two larger figures like it have been seen in Benin city. (“Reliquary,” Vol. IV, 1898, p. 173.)

Figs. 147 and 148.—Two bronze female figures back to back, with one hat, being the handle of one of the swords or wands (see Figs. [202 to 211], Plate XXIX), used by virgins in their dances. There is a large iron pin right through the casting.

Figs. 149 and 150.—Bronze head of girl. Three tribal marks incised over each eye; pupils of eyes of iron, inlaid; necklace of agate or coral.

Figs. 151 and 152.—Brass vessel, resembling a coffee pot. A human figure sitting in front, out of the mouth of which the spout emerges. The handle at back represents a sinuous snake with the head downwards, like that of Fig. [46], Plate VIII. Bands of fish-scale pattern surround the vessel.

[DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XXV.]

Figs. 153 and 154.—Carved ivory head of leopard, the spots of lead, inlaid. This resembles in form the bronze ones, Figs. [58]-63, Plate X. It is apparently very old.

Figs. 155 to 157.—Ivory carved sistrum, with a large and a small bell, similar to the brass one, Figs. [76-78], Plate XII. On the side of the large bell is a chief standing with his hands upheld by attendants in the usual manner; a snake-headed sash hangs from waist. On the top two carved figures, one of which has been broken off. At the back of the small bell is a band of straight line diaper pattern, and on the top a crocodile’s head holding a closed human hand. It is much broken. This object is of interest as showing it to be a survival derived from a metal sistrum. Mr. H. Ling Roth has described this object at some length in “The Studio,” December, 1898.

Fig. 158.—Necklace of bronze, ornamented with human heads in relief, and birds with long beaks, perhaps meant for vultures, but too long-necked for that bird, picking at the figures of extended skeletons. In the intervals between the other figures are oval holes with raised edges, probably a degenerate representation of the coiled mud-fish so frequently shown in other Benin antiquities. The fastening end of the necklace is broken, disclosing the fact that the core of the object is of some lighter material encased in copper or bronze. It has a hinge on one side, probably to facilitate the opening of it.

Figs. 159 and 160.—Brass handle of iron sword, with fragment of the iron sword in it. It has two human faces back to back, covered by one hat, as in Figs. [147 and 148], Plate XXIV, and representations of European screw-heads used as ornaments, as in Fig. [140], Plate XXIII.

Figs. 161 to 163.—Bronze staff of office, 4 feet 11 inches in length, weighing 14 lbs.; it has two elongated crotals in the upper end, with long slits for the emission of the sound, enclosing loose rods of iron. Between the slits are vertical bands of guilloche pattern with raised edges, similar to those represented on the stem and top of the mancala board, Fig. [116], Plate XX, and a horizontal band of guilloche pattern with pellets in relief. On the top is an upright human hand, holding a curled mud-fish. The middle of the staff is ornamented by curious nondescript figures alternating with balls, and the lower end has an oblong butt ornamented on the four sides with guilloche pattern, like that of the crotals on the upper end. The staff has been broken in the middle and mended by recasting in a clumsy way, the metal of the part introduced being thicker than the staff itself.

[DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XXVI.]

Figs. 164 and 165.—Carved ivory figure of a woman (?) standing, the arms deficient; They were fitted into square sockets on each side, and were fastened by large bronze nails, one of which remains. A row of five leopards’ heads hanging from the waist-belt, edged with rows of pellets, or perhaps eyelets, but much defaced. The lips are very thick and the nose broad. The pupils of the eyes are represented by deep circular cavities. No tribal marks apparent, the breasts are not large, but pendant. The whole of the ivory is very much weathered and pitted, especially the legs and base. The figure was accompanied by another of the same size exactly like it and without arms, which was not purchased.

Fig. 166.—Coral whip or whisk, probably a badge of office. Four tags, two of which are ornamented with crocodiles embroidered with metal.

Figs. 167 and 168.—Ivory carved tusk, 3 feet 6 inches long from bottom to point. Band at bottom with reticulated or square-shaped ornament, probably derived from interlacing bands. Commencing from the bottom, the ornamentation consists of:—A coiled serpent, tail in mouth. Leopard’s head and human head. Human figures standing, one having a cross on breast, and a key or axe-shaped object in left hand similar to the bronze figure, Figs. [90 and 91], Plate XV; staff in right hand. Figure holding sash round waist. Elephant’s head with tusks, proboscis terminating in a human hand. Human figure with spear in left hand, shield in right hand. Bird standing on pedestal. Human figure upholding broad leaf-shaped sword in right hand; bell on neck; pedestal on top of head; feather in cap. Human figure.

Fig. 169.—Ivory ring, carved, with 3 birds.

Fig. 170.—Ivory bracelet, rudely carved, with representations of leopards’ and elephants’ heads and perhaps the vestiges of the mud-fish.

Fig. 171.—Carved ivory bracelet, representing a snake, the eyes inlaid.

Figs. 172 and 173.—Ivory bell, or rattle. With clapper of ivory, consisting of an elephant’s tusk point, with human head carved; tribal marks over eyes.

Figs. 174 and 175.—Dagger, the handle ornamented with lines of dots and circles. The blade has an ogee section, similar to that which prevails in the Gaboon and nearly all parts of Africa.

Figs. 176 and 177.—Wooden head-dress. The horizontal bar appears to represent a shark with mouth and tail, ornamented with carved representations of animals and masks. Said to be from Benin, West Africa. The masks are quite characteristic of Benin art. The eyes of the large mask are formed of the metal bases of cartridges, which proves it to be quite modern. It is similar in character to Fig. [183], Plate XXVII. It is perhaps Jekri, see a paper by Messrs. Granville and Ling Roth in the “Journ. Anthrop. Inst.,” Vol. I, New Series, Plate VIII, Fig. 3.

[DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XXVII.]

Fig. 178.—Ivory trumpet, made of the point of an elephant’s tusk. Mouth-hole on the convex side. The butt end is ornamented with two snakes in two bands, tails in mouths.

Fig. 179.—Bronze plaque, with five figures; the central figure with coral choker, badge of rank, coral or agate head-dress with feather, and sash. Broad leaf-shaped sword upheld in right hand; spear, point down, in left. Two boys, one with ivory trumpet, the other holding a brass box nearly similar to Figs. [122 and 123], Plate XXI. These objects have been described by Messrs. Read and Dalton as drums in their paper in the “Journ. Anthrop. Inst.,” Vol. XXVII, Plate XVIII, Fig. 4. Viewed as a drum, the projecting flanges at top and bottom are not explained. Leopard’s head on girdle. Attendants carrying shields; quadrangular bells on necks. The left attendant is holding the same spear as the central figure, point down, as in Fig. [17], Plate IV. Head-dresses of attendants with ornaments of cowrie shells. Ground ornamented with leaf-shaped foil ornaments incised.

Fig. 180.—Bronze plaque, representing the figure of a warrior, with unusually formed helmet, apparently of metal. Quadrangular bell on neck and teeth necklace. Shield on right arm, and spear with square cap at butt end, point downwards, in left hand. The ground is ornamented with two half-moons and the usual leaf-shaped foil ornaments incised.

Fig. 181.—Bronze plaque, representing three figures, the central one beating a drum with his fingers, and no drum-sticks. The drum has pegs with knobs to fasten down the skin, like Fig. [248], Plate XXXII, and similar to the Jekri drum figured in the “Journ. Anthrop. Inst.,” Vol. I, New Series, Plate VIII, Fig. 5. Quadrangular bell on chest. Both the side figures hold sistri with two bells, like Figs. [76 to 78], Plate XII, upheld in their left hands, which they are beating with sticks in their right hands. This plaque gives a fair idea of the kind of music used in Benin.