Wood Sculpture of Oba of Benin with His Cortiers

Description

Masks & sculpture are a window into the soul of a culture, and provide us with great conversation pieces for the home. African masks are possibly the most admired and well known art form of Africa. They are both idea and form. The artistry of African masks is self evident but, for the people who create them, they have a much deeper meaning than surface beauty. African Masks are believed to embody the spirit and symbolize a message of wisdom, prosperity, security, and power. Stylish elements in a mask’s looks are codified by the tradition and may either identify a specific community or convey specific meanings. Putting on a mask is a transformative experience. It allows us to be someone we’re not for a moment, changing both how we see ourselves and how we behave outwardly. Many of us know this feeling from Halloween in America, but it’s a universal feeling shared across cultures throughout human history.

The Wooden sculpture showing the Oba of Benin is a replica of such works in bronze. Benin was perhaps the most powerful kingdom of the West Africa during 15th to 18th century. These sculpture in bronze adorned the Palace of the Oba (King) of Benin. The sulpture shows the Palatial life of the Oba & his Cortiers in Benin during the time. The Oba was considered the most powerful King of the area before the Bristish rule in Benin/ Nigeria. The sculpture is beautifully crafted in wood in Nigeria. Its made from single log of Mahogany wood in a semi circular shape.