Benin Queen with Three Heads

Description

An extraordinary mask, this piece captures the poise and elegance of a Benin Queen from Nigeria. An unusually expressive piece, this replica is hand carved from noble ebony wood. The people of Benin celebrate their most important or significant warriors, kings and queens in the form of masks. This type of mask was worn by the Oba, on the hip, during important ceremonies. The mask is said to represent Idia, mother of Oba Esigie who ruled in the sixteenth century. The top of the hip mask is decorated with heads representing the Portuguese, symbolizing Benin’s alliance with and control over Europeans.

Color: black

Dimension: 22″ tall, 9″ wide, 3″ depth