The Benin ivory mask is a miniature sculptural portrait in ivory of Idia, the first Iyoba (Queen Mother) of the 16th century Benin Empire, taking the form of a traditional African mask. [1] The masks were looted by the British from the palace of the …

A Benin hip mask of a human face thinly cast, and modelled in high relief, the face encircled by a beard composed of numerous stylized mudfish and a row of loops for suspension, the face with full protruding lips, a wide nose and prominent eyes inset with metal, and wearing a reticulated

Benin ivory mask. Bronze Head of Queen Idia. Benin art is the art from the Kingdom of Benin [1] or Edo Empire (1440–1897), a pre-colonial African state located in what is now known as the Southern region of Nigeria. [2] .

Jul 19, 2024 · P-pop group BINI went viral after appearing in full-body disguise at the airport on the way to General Santos City for their “BINIverse” concert. This is seen by BLOOMS, the girl group’s fandom, as a response to criticisms they received for wearing face masks in public.

Cultural Historian Dr. Gus Casely-Hayford tells the remarkable story of a sixteenth century ivory mask from Benin, West Africa. Contrary to its serene visage, Casely-Hayford explores how this finely carved artefact is a ‘physical essay in power’: a testament to subterfuge, savvy trading networks and bloodshed.

Apr 23, 2017 · The Benin ivory mask is a portrait of the Queen Mother Idia of the Benin Empire in the 16th century, made like an African traditional mask. This miniature sculpture was worn as a pendant by the queen’s son Oba (which means King) Esigie.

Feb 9, 2021 · This mask and others were looted from the royal palace in Benin City in 1897 by the British expedition whose attack brought down the Benin Empire, a major power in the region since the 11th century AD.

Some groups like the Dogon people of Mali possess several masks, each with its own unique function. The Dogon are governed by three main religious orders: the Awa (cult of the dead), Bini (cult of the ancestors), and Lebe (cult of nature).

Title: Bini Mask Material: Wood & Kaolin People: Bini. Country: Nigeria. Description: Such masks were worn by members of the Ekpo society, who take care of the well-being of the village and settle disputes. Ekpo members wear the masks to impersonate the ancestors. Rituals were also performed for planting, harvesting (yam harvest) and funerals.

With its elongated face and full cheeks, this fine old mask is instantly recognizable as Bini. It was performed ceremonially by members of the Igbo Ekpo society. Evidence of its use can be interpreted from patterns of wear on the carving's interior.