Title
Preview
Description
Soldier
18" high
Circa 19th Century
Benin, Nigeria, West Africa
Bronze, Copper alloy
A standing male figure, probably of the guardian or warrior genre, meant to be placed in a Benin shrine. The headdress has wings attached on the side, worn on the head above the face. The eyes are wide open, nose wide and the lips parted. There are strands of coral beads around the neck and the right hand is holding a ceremonial sword. The left hand rests on the left hip with the arm bent. A patterned cloth drapes the waist and the flat feet serve as a base.
Keywords
soldier, Benin, Benin bronze, Nigeria, African art, African artifacts, African sculpture