Mega Rare Antique African Tribal Benin Large Cast Bronze Lion Sculpture

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Seller: exlusivewatches ✉️ (1,206) 100%, Location: Chatham, New Jersey, US, Ships to: WORLDWIDE, Item: 192043290119 Mega Rare Antique African Tribal Benin Large Cast Bronze Lion Sculpture.

Fine Mega Rare Antique African Tribal Benin Cast Bronze Lion Sculpture

This is a rare, museum quality authentic artifact (circa late 1800s) . The item is in excellent antique condition. From the private Collector.

Country: Old Benin Kingdom, Nigeria

Material: Bronze

Size: 8 1/2" x 15"

Circa: Late 1800s

Condition: Excellent

Status: Private Collection, United States

An outstanding piece of history.

The art of Beninis the product of an urban royal court, and is meant to symbolize and to extol the power, mystique, grandeur, continuity, and endurance of the ruling dynasty and its governing institutions.From the 14th century until its fall in 1897, Benin was ruled by the oba, a divine ruler at the head of the political system of titled chiefs. Under royal support, a number of craftsman's guilds produced bronze,brass, and wood sculptures and embroidered cloth which have become prized by museums and command high prices on the art market.

The extraordinary bronzes of the Benin kingdom in what is now Nigeria exhibit a virtuosity and sophistication of style that has astonished the Western world since they were visited in the 15th Century. Their work was brought to Europe following a punitive expedition by the British in 1897, causing a great sensation. The people of Benin, called Bini, are descended from the Ife, also known for their remarkable bronzes. Almost all Benin art was created to honor the king , or Oba, who has reigned, with his ancestors, from the 15th century.

The Benin Empire dates back to prehistoric times, the political systems that were monarchial, were well established before the fourteenth century. The Rulers of Benin and Yoruba had close ties, and by the fifteenth century Benin became and important power in the region. With the backing of the monarchy selected artists of Benin developed a special style of sculpture vastly different from the rest of the region. They produced many fine bronze and or brass heads, figurines, brass plaques, and large rectangular metal pictures, which were used to decorate the Oba's palace. The Benin Empire soon became the largest of the political systems of the Guinea Coast and toward the middle of the sixteenth century; the Oba ruled an area, which spread from modern Lagos to the Niger Delta. Back in the late 19th century when the British forces invaded Benin City, they were overwhelmed to find artistic sculptures cast in brass/bronze. They could not believe the technological sophistication and exquisite beauty and quality of these objects. What they saw was a total contradiction to what many westerners believed or assumed about Africa. The above was too much for the British forces to bear and they swiftly concocted excuses - "The sculptures must have been made by the Portuguese, the Egyptians, or the lost tribes of Israel" The so-called "Portuguese, Egyptian or Israeli" sculptures eventually found their way to Britain and later to other parts of Europe, where it was first classified Benin bronze sculpture.

Due to the antique/vintage nature of our items, we encourage our buyers to carefully read the description and measurements of the item to avoid any disappointments ,there might be some slight imperfections, most likely they will show flaws consistent with ware, ages, and use which only add character and charm to the items. Each item is described and photographed as accurately as possible. If you have any question about any particular item, please contact me before you purchase, We are more than happy and willing to answer any questions you may have.


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