Nigerian Benin Head - Adorned Headdress Masks The incorporation of metal into

The incorporation of metal into the wooden figure adds to its potency

The offerings made over time have eroded and roughened the surface giving it an ageless presence

They were believed to encourage fertility and ensure healthy offspring

The figure is adorned with an array of nails and ropes

It is used in the Tchiwara dance

Nigerian Benin Head - Adorned Headdress Masks The incorporation of metal intoBenin Head from Nigeria 18th Century (6in X 8in X 17in ) This bronze crowned head is from the royal court of Benin, Nigeria. They are produced using the 'lost wax' method of bronze casting. The 'Benin Bronzes' (made of brass and bronze) are a group of sculptures that include elaborately decorated cast plaques, commemorative heads, animal and human figures, items of royal regalia, and personal ornaments. They were created from at least the 16th century