Eben Ceremonial Sword - Nigeria - End Of The 19th Century - Beginning Of The 20th Century

Eben Ceremonial Sword
Edo culture, Kingdom of Benin, Nigeria 
Late 19th century - early 20th century
Iron 
H. 89.5 ; L 17.5 cm

An important sword with a stylised fan-shaped blade, symmetrically perforated in a geometric pattern. The spindle is in twisted carved ivory, the pommel openwork in a large oval ring with four diamond-shaped sides. 

These swords were the pomp and ceremony of dignitaries on the occasion of annual festivals in honour of ancestors. 

Bibliography: 
A similar example is reproduced in The art of Benin, Plate 18, no. 318.

Illustration photographs: Museum Talk and Chief Francis Edo Osagie, Benin City, Nigeria, circa 1960, Chief S.O. © Alonge Collection.

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON

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