jan 1, 1600 - Wall plaque, from Oba’s Palace

Description:

Shows an Oba(King) and his attendants from the Benin empire, he is distinguished by his coral beaded regalia. The attendants hold their shields above his head either to protect the Oba from the sun or an attack, this was an Oba only privilege. The figures have different sizes which show their importance, this is known as hierarchical scale. The Oba riding on horseback shows a connection to Oba Esigie.The wax technique they used which involved putting everything over clay then lifting it up is known as the lost wax casting technique. In the lost wax casting technique first, a more malleable wax version of the final brass work is made. It is then covered in clay and fired to harden the clay, removing the wax, which melts away in the process (hence the term, “lost wax”). Hot, molten liquid brass is then poured into the clay mold. As the brass cools, it hardens, and the clay is removed, revealing the finished plaque. The Brass and coral shows trade with the Portuguese. The rest of the art was taken by the British. It was made by the Edo peoples in Benin, Nigeria.

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