Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post

Tim Simmons · 13th July 2012, 05:44 PM

I cannot see any of the typical Benin or Yoruba art styles. Not all pieces made for the court are perfect in casting quality by any means but I just do not think this is from any urban centre. Yes it could be a product of a provincial workshop? Hens and Cockerels are symbolic motifs in Benin art. As is the Bird of Prophecy. Is it certain that the item I have is an image of any of these? It could also be a pigeon? It might not be a bird? All these aminals do have a function in religion. I can see the item being a mace to do with religion or civil society, I just do not see the work as Benin or Yoruba. The lack of such distintive styles make me feel we are looking at work from Igboland and into the Cameroon?

13th July 2012, 05:44 PM	#11
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,739	I cannot see any of the typical Benin or Yoruba art styles. Not all pieces made for the court are perfect in casting quality by any means but I just do not think this is from any urban centre. Yes it could be a product of a provincial workshop? Hens and Cockerels are symbolic motifs in Benin art. As is the Bird of Prophecy. Is it certain that the item I have is an image of any of these? It could also be a pigeon? It might not be a bird? All these aminals do have a function in religion. I can see the item being a mace to do with religion or civil society, I just do not see the work as Benin or Yoruba. The lack of such distintive styles make me feel we are looking at work from Igboland and into the Cameroon? Last edited by Tim Simmons; 13th July 2012 at 06:04 PM.