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Iconographic Meaning

The left section of this plaque depicts the warrior Okaghele Evian (a leadership title) killing Osogan, a forest monster responsible for attacking traders and destroying goods at the Eki-agbago, the international market established in 1666. In the central section, the Oba takes glory for all the great achievements of the people of Benin. Because he is believed to have power over life and death, he is the reason for the success of Okaghele Evian. On the section to the right, Okaghele Evian is honoured with the title of chieftain.

Specific Techniques

Carved using subtractive technique.

Description

Carved wooden panel. Horizontally rectangular brown panel with three scenes separated by a column. The left scene has two men on the left side fighting a serpent-like creature. The middle scene has a small man holding a curved object to his mouth while he stands next to a larger man who is elaborately dressed with a helmet and holding weapons. The right scene has a man wearing a hat, a necklace, and a robe while holding a staff and a torch, who is being fanned by another man on one side, while a shorter man is at his other side.

History Of Use

This wooden panel is part of a tradition of historical documentation that originated in the Benin Kingdom. Similar to the style and composition of the famous Benin bronze plaques, these wooden panels depict historical events and traditions, and contain stories and motifs.