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Description
Scene depicting the Oba (king) making an offering of cowries.
Pair of bronze statues.
Benin, circa 1950.
Height: 59 cm - Width: 29 cm - Depth: 38 cm - Weight: 15 kg
------------------------------
The Kingdom of Benin, in the south of what is now Nigeria, is renowned for its magnificent bronzes, which are among the centerpieces of museums around the world.
For a long time, cowries coexisted with several other forms of currency throughout West Africa: silver coins and gold dust, but also salt bars, copper or bronze bracelets in the shape of a horseshoe, fabrics, beads, etc.
Around the 18th century, the cowrie was the currency of choice on West African trade routes. It retained its status as a means of payment, as well as a symbol of power and wealth, until the 20th century.
Pair of bronze statues.
Benin, circa 1950.
Height: 59 cm - Width: 29 cm - Depth: 38 cm - Weight: 15 kg
------------------------------
The Kingdom of Benin, in the south of what is now Nigeria, is renowned for its magnificent bronzes, which are among the centerpieces of museums around the world.
For a long time, cowries coexisted with several other forms of currency throughout West Africa: silver coins and gold dust, but also salt bars, copper or bronze bracelets in the shape of a horseshoe, fabrics, beads, etc.
Around the 18th century, the cowrie was the currency of choice on West African trade routes. It retained its status as a means of payment, as well as a symbol of power and wealth, until the 20th century.
Réf :
#257381
Color(s) : Natural
Material : Bronze
Pattern : Illustration
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Description
Scene depicting the Oba (king) making an offering of cowries.
Pair of bronze statues.
Benin, circa 1950.
Height: 59 cm - Width: 29 cm - Depth: 38 cm - Weight: 15 kg
------------------------------
The Kingdom of Benin, in the south of what is now Nigeria, is renowned for its magnificent bronzes, which are among the centerpieces of museums around the world.
For a long time, cowries coexisted with several other forms of currency throughout West Africa: silver coins and gold dust, but also salt bars, copper or bronze bracelets in the shape of a horseshoe, fabrics, beads, etc.
Around the 18th century, the cowrie was the currency of choice on West African trade routes. It retained its status as a means of payment, as well as a symbol of power and wealth, until the 20th century.
Pair of bronze statues.
Benin, circa 1950.
Height: 59 cm - Width: 29 cm - Depth: 38 cm - Weight: 15 kg
------------------------------
The Kingdom of Benin, in the south of what is now Nigeria, is renowned for its magnificent bronzes, which are among the centerpieces of museums around the world.
For a long time, cowries coexisted with several other forms of currency throughout West Africa: silver coins and gold dust, but also salt bars, copper or bronze bracelets in the shape of a horseshoe, fabrics, beads, etc.
Around the 18th century, the cowrie was the currency of choice on West African trade routes. It retained its status as a means of payment, as well as a symbol of power and wealth, until the 20th century.
Réf :
#257381
Color(s) : Natural
Material : Bronze
Pattern : Illustration
