** A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this artwork will be donated to the Anthony Quinn Foundation, whose mission is to advocate for the important role arts education plays in personal development and in the overall improvement of social, economic and cultural systems. Learn more at aqfoundation.org **

West Africa, Nigeria, Edo, Court of Benin, ca. 19th century CE. An impressive cast-brass head depicting a member of the royal family - often referred to as the iyoba, queen mother. The iyoba iconography is very similar to the cast heads of the oba or king, but she is distinguished by the forward tilted peak of the headdress. The elaborate netlike surface represents coral beading that were traditionally worn by nobility. The visage is stylized but presents an idealized and youthful visage, likely the iyoba during the prime of her life - and features ovoid eyelids and slitted pupils, incised linear markings that represent scarification on the brow, petite ears, and protruding lips. The iyoba rank was given significant power in the 15th century when Idia, the mother of king Esigie, fought for her son's right to rule as oba. Out of respect for her loyalty and strength, iyobas rank second to the oba himself and have the right to commission cast brass sculptures to place upon altars - a privilege that had been reserved for just the oba. Size: 5.25" W x 13.4" H (13.3 cm x 34 cm)

Provenance: ex-private collection of actor Anthony Quinn and his wife Katherine, Bristol, Rhode Island, USA acquired prior to 2000

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#169174

Loss to tip of cap as shown. Small perforations to face and back of neck where brass plates meet, with a few small spalls, chipping to cap, face, neck, and verso, and light encrustations. Great patina across exterior surfaces.