APRIL ANTIQUE & ART AUCTION Tuesday, 24 April 2018 - 9:00 AM start

An antique Benin African bronze mask

Lot Details

the hair detailed in a criss-cross engraved pattern, scarification engraved detail to the cheeks and mouth sides, the small beard evident in relief, repeat looping ringed border. 113 x 40 x 147. Provenance: From the estate collection of Dr Denis and Joy Hanna. Note of purchase recorded in their journal as costing $115, c.1967/68. see photo in Cordy's online catalogue. Note the Benin Kingdom was a thriving empire situated in present day Nigeria. Its economical wealth was created through commerce with countries north of the Sahara. Benin rose during the 16thC and became a dominant military power and imperial force on the West Coast of Africa. The Benin Empire and the flourishing of its art came to an end in 1897, when the British army, responding to the murder of a British Vice-Consul, captured Benin's capital and destroyed the Royal Palace. It is recorded that around 3,000 castings were taken as loot to London and later dispersed throughout museums and private collections around the world. Provenance: Purchased from John Dixon Antiques 1970 for $115. See copy of receipt in additional images.