Items Similar to Wooden Head, Edo People, Benin Nigeria with Stand
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 20
Wooden Head, Edo People, Benin Nigeria with Stand
$4,696.72
$5,870.9020% Off
£3,496.40
£4,370.5120% Off
€3,920
€4,90020% Off
CA$6,433.34
CA$8,041.6720% Off
A$7,155.27
A$8,944.0920% Off
CHF 3,736.26
CHF 4,670.3320% Off
MX$87,072.08
MX$108,840.0920% Off
NOK 47,717.76
NOK 59,647.2120% Off
SEK 44,750.84
SEK 55,938.5620% Off
DKK 29,841.59
DKK 37,301.9920% Off
Shipping
Retrieving quote...The 1stDibs Promise:
Authenticity Guarantee,
Money-Back Guarantee,
24-Hour Cancellation
About the Item
Carved from reddish brown hardwood, the hollow form rises from a cylindrical neck, the lowest part being a rounded base, then surrounded by diagonal sections. The neck is surrounded by nine rows of coral beaded necklaces (odigba) that extend to a thread motif on the back of the head. Face in full relief with straight lips, flared, flattened nose and oval eyes with set shell (nut) for the pupils. Along the forehead are six frontal scars treated with rectangular cavities in which should have inserts nutshells. In this case there is only one left
Small ears on each side of the head, each C-shaped. A headband consisting of three rows of almost completely distroyed.
On the right side of the head, a single feather extends upward from a beaded rosette. Behind the ear, two long braids of hair hang down to the beaded collar and then become bows that reach the roots. The left side of the head has a long, single braid behind the ear that hangs down to the beaded collar and becomes a bow that ends at the base. On each side, three strands of hair appear at the temples under the headband. Featuring an open hole with a circular motif on the top of the head and a rectangular open slit down the back. Insect damage in different areas; very old worn finish showing a lot of age.
Very heavy insect damage in all areas; very old worn finish showing a lot of age.
“Wooden shrine heads were permitted to sit on the altars of chiefs and important figures, in contrast to the copper alloy heads used exclusively by the kings of Benin. (Frederic Backlar, Bonhams, New York, 2012, lot 172)
Osemwede (reigned 1816-1848) was the first Oba to decree that human heads could be carved for the altars of chiefs of royal lineage, rather than just wooden antelope and perhaps goat heads. Therefore, chiefs of blood enjoyed in Benin City (but not throughout the Kingdom of Benin, where antelope heads continued to be placed on the altars of their ancestors well into the 20s. Thus, the (wooden) human heads are said to be later than ca. 1816, but the actual age depends condition, insect damage, etc." (Fagg, William, Christie's, London, 1988, lot 206)
"Feathers were worn by chiefs as a sign of status. The heads have a hole at the top intended to hold a large carved ivory tusk. When positioned in this way, the tusk represents Ede, a protrusion from the head that left the human and spirit worlds." (Pitt Rivers Museum, Oxford, UK)
- Dimensions:Height: 59.85 in (152 cm)Width: 11.82 in (30 cm)Depth: 11.82 in (30 cm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1950
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Minor structural damages. Minor fading. The Edo head stands on 2 stands. The black metal stand can be detached from the wooden base and may not be used. The transport costs without the wooden substructure would be significantly lower than with it.
- Seller Location:Hamburg, DE
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU3958330716492
About the Seller
5.0
Platinum Seller
Premium sellers with a 4.7+ rating and 24-hour response times
Established in 2009
1stDibs seller since 2018
103 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 2 hours
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Hamburg, Germany
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View AllPair of Vintage Japanese Kyogen Masks, Hand-Carved Wood, 1950s-60s
Located in Hamburg, DE
This exquisite pair of Japanese Kyogen masks, crafted around the 1950s-60s, showcases the art of traditional Japanese mask carving. Made from hand-carved w...
Category
Vintage 1950s Japanese Showa Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
Wooden Carving of a Gothic Lady with Elegant Headwear, Dutch, 17th century
Located in Hamburg, DE
Wooden Carving of a Gothic Lady with Elegant Headwear and Necklace, Dutch, 17th Century
This exquisite wooden carving, depicting a Gothic lady adorned with an elegant headpiece and ...
Category
Antique Late 17th Century Dutch Gothic Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Exquisite Wooden Cherub Head with Glass Eyes, c. 1800
Located in Hamburg, DE
This finely carved wooden cherub head, dating back to around 1800, is a remarkable example of German craftsmanship. Unlike many similar pieces, this putto remains in its original, un...
Category
Antique Early 1800s German Baroque Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
17th-Century Alpine Wooden Christ Torso with Polychrome Traces
Located in Hamburg, DE
17th-Century Alpine Wooden Christ Torso with Polychrome Traces
This finely carved wooden Christ torso, likely from the Alpine region and dating to the 17th century, is a remarkable p...
Category
Antique 16th Century Italian Baroque Religious Items
Materials
Wood
Antique Carved Sitting Figure, Circa 1800 – Jesus Child
Located in Hamburg, DE
This finely crafted carved wooden figure from around 1800 showcases exceptional artistry and detail. The seated figure, dressed in its original white garment, exudes a gentle, childl...
Category
Antique Early 1800s German Baroque Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Stylized Aluminum Bull Head – Mid-20th Century Italian Butcher Shop Sign
Located in Hamburg, DE
This striking and highly decorative stylized aluminum bull head dates back to the mid-20th century and was originally used as a shop sign for an Italian butcher’s business. The desig...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Aluminum
You May Also Like
Bold African Sculpture of a Head on Custom Stand
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Amazing African mask hand-carved in wood depicting a woman carrying latticed basket on her head. Displayed on custom stand (included).
Category
Vintage 1950s Botswanan Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Tall African Ibibio Head Mask with Polychrome Nigeria Provenance
Located in Atlanta, GA
A tall Ibibio wood mask from Nigeria, Africa, circa 20th century. The head mask was carved in with a frontal face with pierced eyes and a gapping mouth. On his head, a stylized hat ...
Category
20th Century Nigerian Tribal Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Rattan, Wood
Olokun Head, Kingdom of Ife, Western Nigeria Hand Carved Hardwood
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Fascinating detailed Olokun head from the Kingdom of Ife in Western Nigeria.
Hand carved hardwood face with almond shaped eyes, neck creases and astounding facial incisions
Circa 1...
Category
Late 20th Century Beninese Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Hardwood
20th Century Antique Carved Wood Mask, African Art
Located in Berlin, DE
20th Century Antique Carved Wood Mask, African Art
Solid wood, hand-carved, Africa probably century
Very decorative. Comes from a Berlin private collection.
Category
20th Century African Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Large Patinated Memorial Cast Bronze Benin Bust
Located in Pasadena, TX
Very good cast of a Benin bonze head, probably mid 20th century
From the Benin Tribe of Africa comes this beautiful bronze head
Category
20th Century Beninese Tribal Busts
Materials
Bronze
$1,316 Sale Price
30% Off
Carved Wooden African Head
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A wonderful hand carved head of Hardwood. A stunning sculpted and carved piece. A stand alone decorative piece or can be used as a large book end. Trul...
Category
20th Century African Folk Art Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood, Hardwood
More Ways To Browse
Hollow Forms
Wooden Sculpture Stand
Ivory Head
Wooden Sculpture Heads
Head Sculpture On Stand
Goats Head
Coral On Stand
Altar Stand
19th Century Shell Sculpture
Nigeria Sculpture
Copper Relief Sculpture
Alloy Sculpture
Goat Carved
Antique Wooden Beads
Carved Wooden Shell
Tusk Sculpture
Altar Set
Carved Ivory Sculpture