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 …

This ivory pendant mask is one of a pair of nearly identical works; its counterpart is in the British Museum in London. Although images of women are rare in Benin's courtly tradition, these two works have come to symbolize the legacy of a dynasty that continues to the present day.

Cultural Historian Dr. Gus Casely-Hayford tells the remarkable story of a sixteenth century ivory mask from Benin, West Africa. Contrary to its serene visage, Casely-Hayford explores how this finely carved artefact is a ‘physical essay in power’: a testament to subterfuge, savvy trading networks and bloodshed.

This pendant mask was created in the early sixteenth century for an Oba (the king) named Esigie, in honor of his mother Idia. The face has softly modeled, naturalistic features, with graceful curves that echo the oval shape of the head.

These pendants are widely considered as some of the finest ivory carvings in the Benin corpus. They are also among the most enduring and emotive examples of the representation of women in Benin court art. This type of mask was worn by the Oba, on the hip, during important ceremonies.

Feb 17, 2025 · It is a pendant mask made of elephant ivory, iron, and copper alloy. It was designed to be worn suspended on the chest or hips during important ceremonies by the two large side hoops framing the face.

Feb 27, 2017 · The original mask, said to represent Queen Idia, mother of Oba Esigie, who ruled in the 16th century, was worn by Benin Obas as pendant during the Igue religious ceremonies and the Emobo rituals...

Benin ivory mask. Bronze Head of Queen Idia. Benin art is the art from the Kingdom of Benin [1] or Edo Empire (1440–1897), a pre-colonial African state located in what is now known as the Southern region of Nigeria. [2] .

This ivory mask is popularly associated with Idia, the mother of Oba (King) Esigie. He ruled the Benin Kingdom, in modern Nigeria c.1504-1550. Esigie is credited with establishing the title of...

Apr 23, 2017 · The Benin ivory mask is a portrait of the Queen Mother Idia of the Benin Empire in the 16th century, made like an African traditional mask. This miniature sculpture was worn as a pendant by the queen’s son Oba (which means King) Esigie.