An artwork on Galleree from Cleveland Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Ancestral Commemorative Head (uhunmwun-elao)possibly mid-1500s or early 1600s
Brass heads are among many objects a new Ọba commissions when dedicating a shrine to their predecessor. This head of an Ọba wears layered necklaces of royal coral beads. Tubular beads adorn both the netted cap and slender braids alongside his temples. While representing an individual, his facial features and calm expression are idealized. The thickly cast head once supported a tusk. Immune to corrosion, brass symbolizes royal permanence. A personal religious object, this head sat on an ancestral altar in the Ọba’s palace. Like many works taken from Benin altars, this contrasts with its present-day public display in an American museum.
The <em>obas</em> (kings) of the Benin Kingdom still wear coral headpieces and jewelry like this sculpted head depicts.
Copper alloy and iron
Overall: 29.9 x 21.6 x 20.4 cm (11 3/4 x 8 1/2 x 8 1/16 in.)
Dudley P. Allen Fund
In the heart of Benin, beneath the shimmering sun, a new Ọba sets out to honor the legacy of those who came before him. As traditions weave through the air like the gentle breeze that accompanies morning prayers, the Ọba envisions a shrine, a powerful symbol dedicated to his predecessor. To manifest this vision, he commissions a series of remarkable objects — among them, a brass head, intricately crafted, that stands as a testament to royal lineage.
This striking head, adorned with layered necklaces of rich coral beads, comes alive in its artistry. Red and orange hues mingle, telling a story of nobility and reverence. Tubular beads glisten against the light, gracing both the netted cap and the slender braids that cascade delicately alongside the head’s temples. It is not merely a representation of an individual but a celebration of an ideal — a visage imbued with tranquil grace and serene authority.
Once, this robust brass head cradled a meaning far beyond its metallic essence; it supported a tusk, a potent symbol of power and prestige. Crafted to withstand the ravages of time, the brass speaks of permanence — a royal resilience that echoes through generations. For the Ọba, this is not just an artistic object but a deeply personal religious artifact, resting proudly on the ancestral altar within the hallowed walls of his palace.
Yet, as we delve deeper into the journey of this brass head, we encounter a poignant contrast. Now, it finds itself displayed in an American museum, a world away from its origins, shifting from sacred to spectacle. This transformation leaves us to ponder the meanings and histories that linger within its cast form, reminding us how objects can traverse cultures and time while carrying echoes of the past.
Through this brass head, the Ọba’s connection to his heritage reverberates, illuminating the story of a lineage that continues to inspire. In every detail, we discover a piece of history, a symbol of identity, and a bridge that links the past with the present, inviting us to reflect on the significance of our shared stories.
About the artist
Creating transformative experiences through art “for the benefit of all the people forever.”The Cleveland Museum of Art is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 66,500 artworks and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106
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