Item.
Fine Bronze Male warrior figure, with a sword, of the ancient Benin Kingdom that is part of what is today described as the Benin Bronzes.
The Benin Bronzes are a group of more than a thousand metal plaques and sculptures that decorated the royal palace of the Kingdom of Benin in what is now the Midwest area of Nigeria.
Collectively, the Benin bronze objects form the best-known examples of Benin art and were created from the thirteenth century onwards by artists of the Edo people of Nigeria.
Origin.
Edo People of Nigeria.
Use.
This is a particularly iconic and mysterious example of the Benin Bronzes with debatable identity till today. Many experts have formed theories based on the elaborate attire of the Horseman that is not typical of those worn by members of the Benin monarcy or their military and dignitary affiliates.
It is deemed to have been created between the 16th and 17th century.
For example the figure is wearing elaborate feathered headdress with upright finial which is not identifiable with monarchy or military outfit in ancient Benin.
One of the more popular theories is that this Horseman is a Yoruba warrior as the Yorubas were neighbours and brothers of the Benin people who used Decorated Horses militarily and ceremonially a considerable time before warriors of the ancient Benin empire.
Some theorised that this figure is of Oranmiyan the great Yoruba King from the nearby Kingdom of ile-ife the epicentre of Yoruba culture and heritage in the past.
Others viewed this to be possible emissary to the Benin empire form the North.
The Benin bronzes, aside being virtuoso work of art, records the Kingdom's important history. This is precisely why a lot of effort, even in the 20th century and till now, has gone into identifying the identity of this ostensibly important and iconic Horseman.
The riders regal costume adds to the mystery of the identity of this Horseman. He is categorically identified by individual expert but no consensus exists per definitive identity of the Horseman.
An example of this stunning creation was donated to the British Museum. Please cut and paste link below view information presented.
https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/E_Af1944-04-13
The last photo in my image gallery show the actual example at the British museum. Direct aesthetic and craftsmanship comparisons can be made bearing in mind that the example presented for sale here is signifincantly old also.
Description.
Firstly, this is one of the biggest example of a Benin bronze Equestrian figure you can find at three feet tall and around 25kg in weight. Making it one of the most rare and visually prominent example available.
Attention to detail and skilful finishing is perhaps one of the most stunning I have seen with great form, balance and symmetry consistently reproduced through every section.
Patina is oxidised with genuine age and wear. The Equestrian figure is conservatively dated to be around six to eight decades old.
The Male figure wears an elaborate feathered headdress with upright finial. He dorns what seems to be Leopard animal skin armour, with short-sleeved patterned garment.
The Horse appears regal with ceremonial refinement and jewellery adornment hinting at it's functional requirement of aesthetic appeal.
The Horseman holds a spear in one hand and the reigns of the Horse in the other with a shield sloping to his side.
Figure is a 20th century example post 1897 "punitive expedition" era showing Some areas of minor metal degradation and thinning.
Nonetheless a solid creation throughout in excellent collector condition.
The quality and finesse of this Benin bronze warrior, reproduced on this large model, is rare to come across today and testimony to our ability to find the finest authentic Benin bronzes still available anywhere because of our presence on the ground in the home of creation, ethnographic significance and use of these fascinating treasures.
Overall, a beautiful and significant collector item offered at the best price possible for genuine Benin artifact of this size and scale. It will rise in value with time making it a wise financial investment also.
In my personal opinion, I feel this is the most beautiful equestrian bronze figure to emerge from the metallurgy of African bronze casting ever. I can , without reservation, commend this particular example as the best available anywhere today.
Please note that this is an authentic Benin bronze creation field-collected by Yemisi Gallery in Edo State which is the current home of the ancient Benin empire.
We strictly only sell Benin bronze artifacts obtained from their original place of creation and use crafted by artisans of the Benin bronze casters guild.
This figure is made with same traditional lost wax method and incredible skills as the first of the Benin bronzes created several hundred years ago. Thank you for looking.
Use.
These Benin Bronze warrior , and many other items made of Bronze, decorated the Royal palace and general court of the Benin Kingdom. They were crafted by very skilled artisan , masterful at working with metal, as gifts to the Oba of Benin and his many Chiefs and royal affiliates.
These creation of Warriors, adorned with traditional accoutrements unique to the ancient Benin empire, are especially valuable because they show the bravery of the King and his group of trusted warriors.
Measurement.
91cm high x 48cm wide x 24cm deep.
Weight.
25kg approx.
Postage information.
This item will be sent out in a bespoke wood crate lined with protective cushioning material. The cost of the crate plus the considerable size and weight of item is reflected in the postage charge.
Delivery information.
Please note we are a UK-based seller who trade internationally and mainly by obtaining tribal artifacts directly in their area of creation and use as we rate authenticity higher than anything else per tribal art.
We sometime therefore send items, especially big and heavy items such as this example, directly from where they were field-collected as this saves duplication of cost and effort for us. We always use UPS trackable service.
Please allow at least two weeks for delivery after payment is made. Thank you.