Collections: Arts of Africa and the Pacific Islands: Hip Ornament with Human Face

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Hip Ornament with Human Face

Benin court officials wear a variety of brass ornaments as part of their elaborate regalia for ceremonial occasions. Hip ornaments such as this one are worn on the left hip, covering the closure of a wrapped skirt. The three inlaid metal scarification marks on either side of the forehead identify the individual portrayed as a royal Edo man.

• Culture: Edo
• Medium: Copper alloy, iron
• Place Made: Benin, Edo State, Nigeria
• Dates: 18th century (possibly)
• Dimensions: 6 1/2 x 4 1/8 x 2 1/4 in. (16.5 x 10.5 x 5.7 cm)
• Collections: Arts of Africa and the Pacific Islands
• Museum Location: This item is on view in African Galleries, 1st Floor
• Accession Number: 1994.143
• Credit Line: Gift of Beatrice Riese
• Image: Overall, 1994.143_transpc004.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
Edo. Hip Ornament with Human Face, 18th century (possibly). Copper alloy, iron, 6 1/2 x 4 1/8 x 2 1/4 in. (16.5 x 10.5 x 5.7 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Beatrice Riese, 1994.143 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 1994.143_transpc004.jpg)
• Catalogue Description: Human face with ornate adornments. Semi-circular "crown" extends 2 1/4 in. above forehead with lattice-like area and three 5-lobed decorations at center. Small, globular forms around edge. At forehead, five strands of "beads." Above each eye, three vertical incised lines. Band of incised lines from center of brow to tip of nose. Seven strands of beads represented around lower edge of face. Extending from beaded strands, series of conical projections, resembling ruffled collar; loops attached to each flaring element. Five small, figure-eight shaped wires attached to loops. Condition is good. Small hole in proper right cheek.