Plaque with Oba and Attendants 17th century Low-poly 3D model

A 17th-century brass plaque depicting the Oba with mudfish-shaped legs, attendants, mudfish, and frogs in a triadic arrangement.

This shield-shaped copper-alloy plaque from the Edo culture of the Kingdom of Benin, Nigeria, features Oba Ohen, a historical ruler known for his role in strengthening the kingdom. Oba Ohen’s reign marked significant developments in Benin’s political structure and the consolidation of its royal authority. He is flanked by two attendants, symbolizing his power and the divine support of his reign.

The mudfish, incorporated in the design, is a key symbol in Benin art and mythology, representing duality and adaptability. It signifies the Oba's connection to both the land and water, highlighting his divine status as a mediator between earthly and spiritual realms. The frog, often associated with transformation and fertility, reinforces themes of renewal and continuity, underscoring the Oba's role as the sustainer of life and order in the kingdom.

This plaque, created in the 18th century, originally adorned the wooden pillars of the audience hall in the Oba’s palace, emphasizing its commemorative and ceremonial significance in Benin royal culture.

Provenance: Omorogbe Aigbe, Oba Plaque; Bronze-cast (lost-wax), Private Collection, Benin City

Location: Benin City, Edo State

Catalogue Number: CAT2B_137

HIGHPOLY MODEL INCLUDED IN ADDITIONAL FILES