17th Century - Bronze

This plaque shows a warrior chief in full ceremonial dress, a sword in his right hand and a spear in his left.  He wears a cap decorated with feathers, a leopard's-tooth necklace, and a bell on his chest, while his two major attendants carry typical Benin shields.  The small figures between are a swordkeeper and a trumpeter.  the plaques were made during a time of increased contact with the Portuguese, which explains the inclusion of the head at the upper left.