plaque (art)

The ownership of this object was transferred to Nigeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) in November 2022.

A bronze plaque, known as an Ama. Benin City. Ama are visual representations of important events in the Kingdom’s history. They ensure that these events are remembered across the generations. Plaques like this covered the walls of the Royal Palace.

The plaque depicts a warrior wearing a helmet, coral neck piece and a leopard tooth necklace. He is carrying an Eben (ceremonial sword).

This plaque was purchased 11 March 1898 from Crown Agents for the Colonies, acting on behalf of the Foreign Office.

Made by Igun Eronmwon guildmembers (bronze and brass casters).

object
MUSEUM NUMBER
4394
Date
before 1897
PLACE
COLLECTION
MEASUREMENTS
overall: 470 mm x 340 mm x 60 mm
MATERIAL/TECHNIQUE
copper alloy; bronze
CATEGORY
Anthropology: Ethnography
LOCATION
In storage
SHAREABLE LINK

Continue exploring anthropology

Featured

Collection Information

These objects are only a part of our collections, of which there are more than 350,000 objects. This information comes from our collections database. Some of this is incomplete and there may be errors. This part of the website is also still under construction, so there may be some fields repeated or incorrectly formatted information.

The database sometimes uses language taken from historical documents to help research, which may now appear outdated and even offensive. The database also includes information on objects that are considered secret or sacred by some communities.

If you have any further information about objects in our collections or can suggest corrections to our information, please contact us: enquiry@horniman.ac.uk