Head of a Queen Mother (Benin),

16th century. Nigeria. Brass, height: 35 cm.

The Board of Trustees of the National

Museums and Galleries on Merseyside,

National Museums Liverpool, Liverpool.

 

 

Around the beginning of the 16th century, in honour of his mother, Idia, the Oba Esigie introduced the term Queen Mother to the Benin. The original memorial heads made of brass in this form are attributed to this period and the peaked headdress of coral beads assures us that it represents the Queen Mother.

Cockerels were represented on altars with the brass head representations in the Queen Mother’s palace because it was believed that she held a special bond with them. Over time, it appears that the brass heads became a link between the ordinary and spirit worlds, but there is no known tradition of personal portraiture.