Part 4

Figs. 277 and 278.--Head carved in hard wood. The coral choker, the band round the head-dress, the feather on left side and the base are entirely covered with thin brass or bronze. Apparently intended to represent a cast metal head. Whether this is the case, or whether it is earlier than the introduction of metal casting, it is difficult to say. The face only and the top of the head-dress are left uncovered with metal. The top of the head-dress represents a reticulated head-dress of agate, like No. 121. The pupils of the eyes and the three tribal marks over each eye are of darker wood let in. There is a bronze band of metal along the forehead and nose. A ring of bronze-headed nails surrounds each eye. There is a broad hanging band on each side of the face, covered with thin metal and surmounted by a conical ornament. The metal is fastened on to the wood with oblong rivets. The face is extremely rudely carved. Round the base is a band of peculiar ornament in repoussé work, which is either intended for a floral ornament or a broken guilloche pattern, like that on the blades of the wands and elsewhere. There is a vertical hole through the back of the head, which is not large enough to contain a tusk.

Figs. 279 and 280.--Bronze rod, pointed below; perhaps the head of a staff intended to fit on to a wooden stem. Ornamented with a human figure sitting at top, with a human-headed staff in right hand, and a neolithic celt, edge up, in left hand. Coral choker and head-dress with serpents hanging head downwards, and a band of straight line diaper pattern. Three tribal marks over each eye. Band of guilloche pattern on skirt-rings for pendants (? crotals). Below, in a separate division, is a nude human figure kneeling and holding something in front in both hands. At sides sinuous serpents with the heads down, and crocodiles or lizards. Below again a sinuous serpent, head upwards. The whole very rudely cast.

DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XXXVII.

Figs. 281 and 282.--Bronze square bell, the ornamentation tastefully designed, with a human head, crocodiles, and floral ornaments. The clapper is in the form of a sinuous snake, head downwards.

Fig. 283.--Ivory armlet, very rudely carved in human figures, crocodiles, serpents, &c.

Figs. 284 and 285.--Brass or bronze sword, the pommel in the form of a twisted ring, as so frequently shown on the plaques, see Figs. 4, 113, 179, 255, etc. The blade is of unusual form, very broad, and rounded at the end.

Figs. 286 to 288.--Bronze plaque, representing a figure standing and holding in his left hand a staff with an eagle on the top. A staff with a bird on the top is represented in one of the figures of No. 139.

DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XXXVIII.

Fig. 289.--Bronze plaque, representing a human head with straight combed hair. Aquiline nose, moustache and beard; not of negro type. The ground ornamented with the usual leaf ornament.

Fig. 290.--Bronze plaque, with pendant fruit ribbed. Raised rosettes and the usual leaf ornament on field incised.

Fig. 291.--Bronze or brass plaque. Figure, full length; an unknown implement upheld in right hand, and an execution sword held horizontally in left hand. Three tribal marks over each eye. The dress ornamented with human heads, half-moons, and floral ornaments incised. Ground ornamented with the usual leaf-shaped ornament.

Fig. 292.--Bronze ægis. A female with pointed head-dress, and coral choker, badge of rank; striking a sistrum with a rod. It is repaired with lead.

Figs. 293 and 294.--Bronze statuette, representing a negro figure holding a so-called key in the left hand. The figure has three tribal marks over each eye, and three radiating lines branching from the corners of the mouth. The pupils of the eyes are inlaid with iron. A cross on the breast hanging from the neck by a cord. No coral choker, but a necklace perhaps of coral or agate. A pot hat with a narrow straight brim. This figure exactly resembles No. 90. The ears are very rudely formed. No hair is shown. The face is very prognathous and the nose broad and flat, not aquiline. The skirt is only slightly hooked up.

DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XXXIX.

Fig. 295.--Bronze plaque, head of horse, very much elongated. For the elongation of a horse's head, see the figure of horse and rider in Figs. 299 and 300.

Figs. 296 and 297.--Bronze plaque, representing a cow's head, of natural form and proportions, with a rope bound round the horns.

Fig. 298.--Bronze plaque. A sinuous serpent, head downwards. Ground ornamented with the usual foil ornament incised.

Figs. 299 and 300.--Bronze man on horseback, holding a shield, with barbed javelins, points downwards, on right arm. A band of crotals hung over right shoulder. Sword on right side with European scabbard. The dress is peculiar and formed with lappets on front and back. The horse and rider are very attenuated and rudely executed. The horse tucked up like a greyhound, with head very long, like Fig. 295. Band with crotals round the horse's neck. Large flaws in the casting of both horse and rider.

DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XL.

Fig. 301.--Bronze cock, the feathers represented by herring-bone pattern.

Figs. 302 and 303.--Elephant's tusk formed as a trumpet. The mouthpiece on the convex side; with rattle. The loose pieces of the rattle carved out of the solid, through the oblong apertures. Ornamented with three bands of guilloche pattern; straight line diaper pattern, and degenerate mud-fish interlaced, in two places.

Figs. 304 and 305.--Portion of an iron staff, ornamented with bands of bronze, on which are figured human faces, leopards' heads and bands of looped strands, similar to those on Figs. 139 and 140, Plate XXIII.

Fig. 306.--Thin brass head ornament for horse, and a broad band to go along the top of the head and mane. The figure on the lower part represents a crocodile, head downwards, ornamented with rows of copper rivets. The band for the head is ornamented with a floral ornament (floral guilloche) consisting of a sinuous stem with a leaf branching out of each curve, similar to that shown on Figs. 209, 238 and 278. The whole of the ornamentation is in repoussé work, and is probably intended to be attached to leather.

Figs. 307 and 308.--Lower portion of an iron staff, surrounded by bands of brass, ornamented with leopards' heads, frogs, looped strands and guilloche pattern.

Fig. 309.--Square brass lamp, with four receptacles for wicks, one at each corner. Ornamented with dots of repoussé work, and suspended by an iron chain with long links and a hook.

Figs. 310 to 313.--Bronze lamp, apparently with gold in its composition. The basin patched and riveted with copper. The bands for suspension ornamented with straight line diaper pattern (Fig. 312) and broken guilloche pattern (Fig. 313), united at top in a human figure (Fig. 311), having the private parts strongly pronounced. There are only one or two objects in this collection in which this peculiarity occurs, which is so prevalent in the art of most savages.

DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XLI.

Figs. 314 to 316.--Wooden stool, the top slightly basin-shaped; the stem carved to represent two interlaced serpents, but the interlacing is not continuous, being broken by a square hole pierced through the centre of the shaft. The heads of the serpents are conventional and they bend towards the top and bottom on alternate sides. The tails of the serpents terminate in the mouths of two frogs carved on the base and underside of the top of the seat. A human figure is in the mouth of the serpent resting on the base, holding a bill-hook in his left hand, similar to Figs. 108 and 109, Plate XVIII. On the underside of the seat, the serpent holds a leopard in its mouth; leopard holding a palm branch in its mouth. The other figures carved on the base and underside of the top are two degenerate mud-fish and two degenerate elephants' heads, the proboscis terminating in a human hand, like Figs. 72 and 167. The seat is ornamented with an interlaced guilloche pattern surrounding the top edge of the seat.

Fig. 317.--Wooden plaque, ornamented in the centre by a coil of interlaced strap-work, bounded by two lines of zigzag pattern. On one side a broad leaf-shaped sword with a ring pommel, similar to Figs. 326 and 327, Plate XLII, and Figs. 328 and 329, Plate XLIII. The handle is ornamented with a straight line diaper pattern. On the other side is represented an execution sword, similar to Fig. 110, Plate XVIII.

Figs. 318 and 319.--Wooden seat, of oblong form, supported by four legs, with cross-braces. All the ornamental portions are plated with thin brass, beaten on and riveted. The top of the seat is ornamented in the centre and ends by bands of single and double guilloche pattern, and in the centre of the squares by a square pattern of interlaced strands riveted on, similar to that represented on the blade of the sword, Fig. 199, Plate XXVIII. The legs and sides of the seat are ornamented by wheel-shaped forms, in eight places, and half-moons, similar to those on the ground-work of the plaque, Fig. 180, Plate XXVII. The stool in various parts is ornamented by brass-headed nails, which might perhaps be European.

DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XLII.

Figs. 320 and 321.--Wooden bird resembling a turkey. The inlaying of the eyes has disappeared; the feathers are conventionally represented by carved squares and lines of herring-bone pattern. On the top is a rudely-cut vertical projection 5 inches high and 2-1/2 inches broad, the meaning of which is unknown; and from it hangs on each side of the bird, a broad band 3-1/2 inches broad, carved with four rows of herring-bone pattern, the meaning of which is also unknown. The front of the base is ornamented with a guilloche pattern of four strands.

Fig. 322.--Circular brass fan, thickness of metal, .02 inch; ornamented with bands of guilloche pattern, herring-bone, and straight line diaper patterns. The handle is riveted to the fan.

Fig. 323.--Fan of hide. The sewing of leather resembles that of the brass fan, Fig. 322, Plate XLII.

Figs. 324 and 325.--Bronze group of three human figures, the front figure kneeling, the hands in an attitude of prayer. The upper part naked, the lower part covered by a pleated kilt or skirt, similar to Figs. 129, 235, 236, and 247. The corners of the eyes ornamented with a raised barbed figure. A belt of two ropes round the waist with two loops behind, in one of which hang two links of a chain. This figure is attended behind by two short figures standing and armed with swords in sheaths. Coral necklaces and anklets. Three tribal marks incised over each eye. On the ground are three decapitated human heads, face upwards, and a dog. The base is ornamented with coiled figures.

Figs. 326 and 327.--Broad leaf-shaped iron sword, similar to Figs. 328 and 329, Plate XLIII. The handle enclosed in a large ring of metal, 7 inches in diameter. The blade, which is .08 inch in thickness, is perforated by a pattern of holes.

DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XLIII.

Figs. 328 and 329.--Broad leaf-shaped iron sword, similar to Figs. 326 and 327, Plate XLII. The handle enclosed in a large ring of metal, 8 inches by 5-1/2 inches interior measurement, twisted in two places. It has probably had a grip of wood, which has disappeared. The blade, which is only ·06 inch in thickness, is ornamented with a pattern of perforated holes. The use of this instrument is unknown; it may have been an execution sword, but, if so, the ring-guard appears superfluous.

Fig. 330.--Iron staff, similar to the bronze one, Figs. 354 and 355, Plate XLV. In the cluster at the top is the figure of a bird surmounting an animal, probably a chameleon, similar to the one half-way down the stem, and surrounded by a cluster of various implements and weapons, points upwards, amongst which may be distinguished a fork with diamond-shaped heads, a curved bill-hook, a chisel, a spud and a reaping-hook. Below this are two clusters each of six hanging bells; two sinuous snakes, heads upwards, are crawling up the stem.

Figs. 331 and 332.--Carved wooden board, 10-1/2 feet in length and 1 foot 11 inches broad; from a house in Benin city. It is ornamented with five panels in relief. Each panel has a circle with radiating lines, bounded by lines of guilloche pattern. The several panels are separated by broad bands of interlaced strap-work, deeply carved. The interlaced strap-work varies in design, some being simply plaited, and in others it is further complicated with twists and returns. Some have two interlaced bands, others four. The carving is irregular and traced by the eye without measure or T-square. Long sinuous snakes with heads are represented in the smaller lines dividing the panels and give the effect of a meander. The whole of the carving has originally been covered with thin plates of brass or bronze beaten on, traces of which are seen here and there fastened on with oblong rivets of metal.

Figs. 333 to 335.--Round execution block and stand of wood, elaborately carved with figures of men and animals. On the top is a pointed spike of wood, 5 inches in height, on which the head of the victim appears to have rested, and below this on the surface at the top of the block are two receptacles for the thumbs of the victim, in the form of coiled mud-fish. The ornamentation on the top consists of squares and triangles filled with parallel straight lines alternating in direction, and edged with a circle of broken guilloche pattern. On the sides are three human figures, two of which are holding hands upwards, weapons and shields, and one a curved sword of European form, point downwards. Between these figures are two boxes or stools; there are also two human hands and other objects on the other side. The bottom of the block is surrounded by a broad guilloche pattern of four or five strands. The stand on which the block stands is of semicircular form. The top is ornamented with two animals, resembling crocodiles, conforming to the outline of the curve, and other animals and objects. On the front of this stand is a row of objects, consisting, in the centre, of a human figure holding something on the abdomen, human hands, animals' heads, and other objects. A very similar execution block, but without stand, is shown in Figs. 258 to 260, Plate XXXIV. The barbarous carving and ornamentation of such gruesome objects is quite characteristic of Benin art.

DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XLIV.

Fig. 336.--Wooden casket in the form of an ox's head, coated with thin brass riveted on. From the forehead two human hands rise up holding the horns. Along the forehead and along the sides are three lines of single guilloche pattern in repoussé work. The pupils of the eyes are inlaid with a dark substance. It appears to be a box or casket of some kind. A similar box is shown in the hands of the small figure in plaque No. 18, Plate IV. A precisely similar object from Benin is figured by Mr. Ling Roth in "The Studio," December, 1898, Fig. 18; and there is also another similar in the British Museum, figured in "Antiquities from Benin in the British Museum," Plate XI, Fig. 9.

Fig. 337.--Half of a bronze circlet or necklet, similar to Fig. 158, Plate XXV; ornamented with two human forms with attenuated bodies and conventional heads, consisting of circles with five circular punch-marks to represent the features, and two other similar heads without bodies. The arms of these two figures are bound together at the wrists. At the feet of these two extended figures are two human heads of negro type, very well executed, and a leopard's head. It is ornamented in other places by a broad leaf-shaped sword and spirals. This remarkable work of savage art is shown in greater detail in the annexed woodcut.

Fig. 338.--Bronze sword, perhaps an execution sword, but rather too small for that purpose; with wooden grip and pommel. The blade is ornamented on both sides with incised semicircles and curved lines. The cutting edge is on the convex side.

Fig. 339.--Bronze sword, perhaps an execution sword, but rather too small for that purpose; ornamented with incised semicircles, like Fig. 338, and chevrons filled with parallel incised lines. The grip ornamented with parallel incised bands in imitation of binding. The blade is also ornamented with peculiar incised scrolls and circular punch-marks, and diamond forms.

Fig. 340.--Bronze pin, ornamented with four conventionalized birds. Inlaid in various places with red agate, and ornamented with circular punch-marks.

Fig. 341.--Bronze bell or sistrum, with small bell attached; both ornamented with an incised lozenge-shaped pattern. A similar double bell, from Yoruba, is figured by Mr. Ling Roth in "The Reliquary," 1898, p. 165.

Fig. 342.--Bronze figure of boy, with the palms of the hands erect and open, as if denying having stolen anything. Serpent, head downwards, on forehead. Three incised tribal marks over each eye. Coral necklace.

Figs. 343 and 344.--Human mask, of bronze. The pupils of the eyes inlaid with iron.

Fig. 345.--Bronze leopard, tail deficient; total height, 15-1/4 inches. One of the hind legs broken off and repaired by natives with a piece of ivory. The leopard is covered with incised spots and small punch-marks all over. The pupils of the eyes are inlaid with iron.

DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XLV.

Fig. 346.--Quadrangular bronze bell, ornamented with mud-fish and a human head in relief. It is reticulated on all sides and could have emitted no sound.

Fig. 347.--Quadrangular bronze bell, ornamented on one side by a degenerate human face in relief. The ornamentation tastefully designed.

Fig. 348.--Bronze cock, somewhat similar to Fig. 301, Plate XL.

Fig. 349.--Brass armlet, made from one piece of thin metal, joined by copper rivets. Ornamented by three naked human figures in relief, and bands of interlaced rings.

Figs. 350 and 351.--Bronze trumpet, slightly curved, the mouth-hole on the convex side, similar in form to the ivory trumpets, Figs. 178, 192 and 193. Projecting blades, like celts, on the large end, as in the sistrum in Figs. 232 to 234, Plate XXXI. A somewhat similar instrument is figured by Mr. Ling Roth in the "Halifax Naturalist," June, 1898, p. 32. Above these blades is a human head in relief, surmounted by a circular ring held in the mouth of a crocodile, head downwards. Other parts are ornamented by sinuous snakes in relief. It appears to have been used both as trumpet and axe.

Figs. 352 and 353.--Bronze staff, probably intended to be held in the middle. Ornamented at both ends with human figures back to back. The stem ornamented with loops as in Figs. 208 and 209, Plate XXIX.

Figs. 354 and 355.--Bronze staff, 4 feet 10-1/2 inches in length; ornamented at top with the figure of a bird with a small ball in its mouth, and apparently surmounting a leopard. Around it are ten leaf-shaped flanges ornamented with sinuous serpents, holding birds and crocodiles in their mouths. Below this is a human figure standing with very large hands, apparently clasped, and thumbs projecting upwards, out of all proportion to the size of the body; on the shoulders of this figure are two sinuous snakes. Below this are figures representing a monkey and a bull. The central figure is nude and kneeling with a cock in its hands, resting on a cluster of hanging bells. The lower part, which is broken and detached from the upper part, represents a human figure; in his left hand a large neolithic celt, and in his right hand a human-headed staff, similar in design to Figs. 279 and 280, Plate XXXVI. Below and in front of this figure are smaller figures, representing a human figure with a neolithic celt in the right hand and a spotted leopard, with tail curled over head, on the left. Rising from the head of the larger figure is an antelope, with two snakes springing out of its mouth, surrounded by representations of various weapons, points upwards. The whole appears to be constructed of bronze, surrounding an iron stem.

DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XLVI.

Figs. 356 and 357.--Bronze staff, surmounted by a vulture holding something in its beak, as in Figs. 286 to 288, Plate XXXVII; Fig. 271, Plate XXXV, and Figs. 354 and 355, Plate XLV. In Fig. 139, Plate XXIII, and in "Antiquities from Benin in the British Museum," Plate XXIX, Fig. 3, figures are shown holding these staves and striking them with rods.

Figs. 358 and 359.--Bronze seated figure, apparently of an European. The dress has large buttons on one side. The hat, with brim, is ornamented with chevrons filled with parallel straight lines; the moustache very long; the nose aquiline and very large; the shoulders guarded by "wings." Left hand and forearm broken.

Fig. 360.--Bronze or brass plaque, representing a figure standing to front, holding a piece of ring-money (Manilla) in right hand, similar to Plate XXI, Fig. 6, "Antiquities from Benin in the British Museum," where their use and form are discussed (p. 27). The dress has a single row of buttons, somewhat similar to Fig. 247, Plate XXXII, where however the coat is fastened with tags; the left hand is similarly spread upon the chest. The face is prognathous, but with hooked nose. The hat appears to be an European chimney-pot hat. Other cases of a pleated kilt occur in Figs. 129, 235, 236, 247, 324, 325, and 361.

Fig. 361.--Bronze plaque, representing a figure, seated, holding apparently a hand-cannon in both hands, the butt of which is curved down. The dress has buttons on one side, as in the previous figure, and is surmounted by a vandyke ornamented collar of European type. Belt and pleated kilt. Face, apparently European, aquiline nose. European helmet. European sword with guard on right side.

Fig. 362.--Iron axe, in carved wooden handle and shaft; with six wooden human faces, the pupils of the eyes inlaid with lead.

Figs. 363 and 364.--Iron hammer.

Figs. 365 and 366.--Small human head in earthenware, being the only one of that material in this collection. The pupils of the eyes are inlaid with iron; two iron bands on the forehead, of which the traces have nearly disappeared. Hole in top of head like those of bronze. Coral choker. The features are well formed.

Figs. 367 and 368.--Antelope's head, in bronze, with horns and ears.

DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XLVII.

Figs. 369 to 371.--Bronze plaque, representing a sacrificial scene; it contains eight human figures, and a bullock just in the act of being slaughtered. All the figures except one have native features, dress, etc., and wear the insignia of executioners. The remaining figure is evidently intended to represent a European.

Figs. 372 and 373.--A carved ivory box in the form of a mud or cat fish. The eyes are inlaid with lead.

DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XLVIII.

Figs. 374 and 375.--Bronze statuette of a musician in the act of playing a wind instrument. He wears a pot hat, a collar, and loose necklet hanging down over the chest, also armlets and wristlets. He wears a decorated loin cloth, with a border representing a row of feathers, and in the centre of the garment is a conventional leopard's face. Height of statuette is 24-1/2 inches.

Figs. 376 and 377.--Modern Benin sword; the blade is iron and decorated with incised birds and a nondescript animal. There are seven brass rivets hammered into the blade. The handle is covered with leather. Length of blade, 17-3/4 inches.

Figs. 378 and 379.--Is a copper weapon which has had a wooden shaft. This weapon is of too soft a metal to be of much use.

Figs. 380 and 381.--An iron weapon of an old make. The blade is decorated with an incised figure of a snake. Length of blade, 21-1/8 inches.

DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XLIX.