Panel Item Number: Af592 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
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.
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.
Item History
- Made in Nigeria before 1987
- Owned by Julia Tecson and Miguel Tecson before November 16, 1987
- Received from Julia Tecson (Donor) and Miguel Tecson (Donor) on November 16, 1987
What
Who
- Culture
- Nigerian
- Previous Owner
- Julia Tecson and Miguel Tecson
- Received from
- Julia Tecson (Donor) and Miguel Tecson (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Nigeria
When
- Creation Date
- before 1987
- Ownership Date
- before November 16, 1987
- Acquisition Date
- on November 16, 1987
Other
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 1262/0322