Antique Benin African Bronze Mask
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An antique Benin African bronze mask, the hair detailed in a criss-cross engraved pattern, scarification engraved detail to the cheeks and mouth sides, the small beard evident in relief, repeat looping ringed border. 11.3 x 4 x 14.7 cm. Provenance: From the estate collection of Dr Denis and Joy Hanna. Note of purchase recorded in their journal as costing $115, c.1967/68. see photo in Cordy's online catalogue. Note the Benin Kingdom was a thriving empire situated in present day Nigeria. Its economical wealth was created through commerce with countries north of the Sahara. Benin rose during the 16th century and became a dominant military power and imperial force on the West Coast of Africa. The Benin Empire and the flourishing of its art came to an end in 1897, when the British army, responding to the murder of a British Vice-Consul, captured Benin's capital and destroyed the Royal Palace. It is recorded that around 3,000 castings were taken as loot to London and later dispersed throughout museums and private collections around the world. Provenance: Purchased from John Dixon Antiques 1970 for $115. See copy of receipt in additional images.
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- Bronze - An alloy of copper and tin, traditionally in the proportions of about 9 parts of copper to 1 part of tin.
The discovery of bronze in Western Asia in the 4th century enabled people to create metal objects which were superior to those previoulsy possible because of its strength and hardness, and it has been used throughout the world for weapons, coins, tools, statuary and other decorative items.
It is very fluid in a molten state, and its hardness, strength when set, and non-corrosive properties makes it most suitable for casting sculpture.
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