A Benin hip mask of a human face thinly cast, and modelled in high relief, the face encircled by a beard composed of numerous stylized mudfish and a row of loops for suspension, the face with full protruding lips, a wide nose and prominent eyes inset with metal, and wearing a reticulated

The Benin hip mask represents one of the most prized and culturally significant art pieces from the ancient Benin Kingdom, located in present-day Nigeria. These masks, often made in sets of three, hold immense value due to their historical importance, craftsmanship, and ceremonial significance within Benin society.

This imposing piece of Benin brass-work is a hip ornament, a ceremonial item designed to be worn as a marker of social rank within the royal court. The piece would have been worn as a belt accessory, attached by loops on the dorsal aspect.

Benin objects sold from the British Museum article CLICK HERE to go to an article called: Art and science in Benin bronzes African Arts, Spring, 2004 by Joseph Nevadomsky

Title/Description: Leopard head hip mask. Born: 1750 - 1850. Object Type: Mask. Materials: Bronze, Iron. Measurements: h. 145 x w. 75 x d. 24 mm. Accession Number: 233. Historic Period: 18th Century - Late, 19th century - Early. Production Place: Africa, Benin City, Nigeria. Cultural Group: Edo. Credit Line: Donated by Robert and Lisa Sainsbury ...

fourteenth century. The title of "oba," or king, is passed on to the firstborn son of each successive king of Benin at the time of his death. The first obligation of each new king during this transition of rule is to commemorate his father with a portrait cast in bronze and placed on an altar at …

The Benin ivory mask is a miniature sculptural portrait in ivory of Idia, the first Iyoba (Queen Mother) of the 16th century Benin Empire, taking the form of a traditional African mask. [1] The masks were looted by the British from the palace of the …

Benin Kingdom, Nigeria, XIXth century. Both matched fine castings of ancestral Obas (kings) with symmetrical pleasing facial features, neck collars and headdresses. Pierced for attachment. Excellent aged patinas. Functioned as high status regalia in Royal court. Dimensions 17.0 cm (6.7 in) H. ea + custom mounts.

BENIN BRONZE HIP MASK, C. 17TH C., H 6 1/4" W 4 1/4": A bronze hip mask from Benin, Nigeria. The mask is of a human face thinly cast, modeled in high relief, having a beard decorated in stylized mudfish above hanging loop hooks. The face wears a reticulated head dress, with three raised coral forms. Ex-collection of Egerton, London.

A Benin-style bronze hip mask cast with band of spirals to the beard, pierced semi-circular headdress -- 18.5cm. long