A narrow figure stands at attention in a rounded cap with a small topknot and a braided headband, his wide eyes cast in relief. One hand grips a tall staff topped with a knobbed head, and the other holds a short blade against his hip, with a sash crossing the chest of his tunic. This antique cast brass figure follows the Edo tradition of Benin City in Nigeria, where the brass-casting guild made figures of warriors, attendants and court officials for the palace of the Oba. Verdigris has gathered in the folds of the garment and around the face, over a brown bronze surface rubbed warm by handling.
At 8 inches tall, it fits a desk, a shelf, a console or the edge of a bookcase, where the green and brown surface stands out against white walls and pale wood. It reads as a quiet sentinel that rewards a closer look.
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Era: Antique
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Origin: Nigeria (Edo style)
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Material: Cast brass
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Size: 3"(W) x 2"(D) x 8"(H)
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Color: Dark brown bronze with green verdigris
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Condition: Wear consistent with age and use, part of its character and historical value. Natural verdigris and worn patina across the surface.
This antique Edo style cast brass court attendant figure from Nigeria holds a staff and a short blade and wears a cap with a topknot. It measures 3 inches wide, 2 inches deep and 8 inches tall, in dark brown bronze with green verdigris. It suits a desk, shelf, console or bookcase.
Q: Who made the brass figures of the Benin Kingdom?
A: The work belonged to the brass-casting guild of Benin City, whose members cast plaques, heads and figures for the palace of the Oba using the lost-wax method. The craft passed from family to family, and it is still practiced in the Igun Street quarter of Benin City.
Q: How do you arrange several small African figures together?
A: Group them in odd numbers and vary the heights, with the tallest at the back. Keep them on one surface, such as a shelf or a console, and leave gaps so each outline reads clearly.
