Head (Uhunmwun Elao)

This brass head was commissioned by a newly crowned king for an altar commemorating a previous ruler, most likely the king’s father. Its shape imitates the regal coral-beaded collar and cap and served as the pedestal for a carved elephant tusk, the white color of which signaled the king’s divine and sacred nature. In Benin thought, the head is an important symbol of authority and power. Through this portrait a king channeled his deified ancestors to vitalize and protect his reign.

About the sculpture

Particulars

Neighbors at Art Institute of Chicago

On the same theme · Ancestors

Not receiving at present

What it shows

In the catalog

Sources

Plaque

statuette d'Oba

Statuette de reine

Commemorative Head

Altar Head for a Chief

The Bedroom, 1889

A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte, 1884–86, border added 1888–89

Paris Street; Rainy Day, 1877

Two Sisters (On the Terrace), 1881

The Basket of Apples, c. 1893

Stacks of Wheat (End of Summer), 1890–91

American Gothic, 1930

Nighthawks, 1942

Head, Mid–late 19th century

Figural Container, Late 19th-early 20th century

Headdress (Ago Egungun), Mid–late 19th century

Stela, 702 CE

Plank Mask (Luruya), Late 19th or early 20th century

Helmet Mask (Lipiko), Early to mid-20th century

Male Figure, Possibly 18th century

Face Mask (Sirige), 19th/20th century