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Rare Monoxyl Panel 1920-1930 with Dignitaries Iconography Royal Figure Oyo/Benin Nigeria Colonial Period
€240Bid from €140
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Rare and important rectangular monoxyl panel, 30 by 62 cm, hand-carved, testifying to the finesse of the master sculptors of the Oyo region during the colonial period. The work features a complex and codified royal iconography, inspired by the famous bronze plaques from the Oba's palace in Benin.
The central figure is a frontal and hieratic representation of the Oba, the sovereign, wearing the ceremonial checkered tiara and imposing stacked coral necklaces encircling the neck and chin.
The court dignitaries: the king is flanked by two male accompanying figures, warriors or court chiefs. Carved in profile in a classic Yoruba style, they wear ceremonial beads and turn towards the sovereign as a sign of allegiance.
The sacred mudfish catfish: at the ends of the panel are 2 large, slender-bodied catfish, characterized by a meticulous speckled and checkered decoration imitating scales.
Symbol of power: next to the dignitaries are represented the curved Ada state swords, insignia of the right to supreme justice.
Edge and cut: parallel and irregular vertical striations typical of manual long-sawing of forest wood by arm strength.
Patina and wear: very beautiful heterogeneous use patina.
The background textures, hammered with a punch and gouge, are intact.
The back shows deep natural oxidation of the iroko wood due to time.
Presence of an old, heavily corroded metal fixing point, which reacted with the wood's tannin.
1kg 650
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Specifications
ConditionExcellentColorsBrownMaterialWoodNumber of items1OrientationLandscapeArt sizeMediumHeight30 cmWidth62 cmDepth3 cm
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About this seller
Private sellerEVERE, BelgiumOn Whoppah since March 2026 • 1 sale