Panel

Item number Af593 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

Public

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Description

Carved wooden panel. Horizontally rectangular brown wood carved with two scenes separated by a tree. The left scene has two elaborately dressed men with the one on the left side holding a downward pointing lizard by the neck in each hand while the one on the right side is holding a sword in front of him. The right scene has a similar man holding a sword in front of him on the left side while another man is being tortured by several others as he is held horizontally with a rope around his neck and a club above his head.

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.

Specific Techniques

Carved using subtractive technique.

Iconographic Meaning

In this plaque, the Oba, is depicted at the far left holding a crocodile in each hand; his feet are either pythons or mudfish—symbols of his uncontested authority and of his right to give and take life. The crocodile is seen as the "policeman of the sea" and the python is equally ruthless. This choice of animals comes from the relationship the Edo-speaking people of Benin have with the sea. As a coastal city, Benin received many of its resources from the sea, which also connected the city to the rest of the world and brought economic and social centrality to the kingdom—particularly through its bountiful trade with Europeans. The Oba is adorned in coral beads, notably the “bead of rule” across his chest. The section in the middle depicts the Oba in ceremonial regalia. He carries an eben, or ceremonial sword. At the centre of this section a prisoner with his arms tied behind his back and a muzzle over his mouth is carried by soldiers. This appears to be a criminal about to be executed in the presence of the Oba. There are seven low-ranking individuals shown to the right; one holds a special rattle to aid the passage of the condemned man's soul. This plaque highlights the vital role the Oba played in enacting justice in the kingdom.

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