CEREMONIAL SWORD Eben

Edo culture, Kingdom of Benin, Nigeria

End of the 19th century – beginning of the 20th century

Iron

H.: 89.5; L.: 17.5 cm

Important sword with a stylized fan-shaped blade, symmetrically perforated in a geometric design. The fusee is in ivory carved in a twisted manner, the pommel openworked in a large oval ring with four diamond-cut sides.

These swords were the regalia of dignitaries on the occasion of annual festivals in honor of ancestors.

Bibliography:

A similar example is reproduced in the work The art of Benin , Plate 18, n°318.

Illustrative photographs: Museum Talk and Chief Francis Edo Osagie, Benin City, Nigeria, circa 1960, Chief SO © Alonge Collection.

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON

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