Commemorative Head
Edo
Probably mid–17th/mid–18th century
Medium
Terracotta
Dimensions
24.1 × 15.2 × 18.4 cm (9 1/2 × 6 × 7 1/4 in.)
Classification
earthenware
Department
Arts of Africa
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
152856
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Benin brass-casters traditionally make commemorative heads in both terracotta and brass. This terracotta head is distinguished by its fleshy, idealized facial features, scarification patterns above each eye, stylized hairstyle—arranged in a series of horizontal rows—and snuggly worn beaded collar. The fullness of the cheeks is best perceived from a profile view, and the delicate modeling of the eyes, nose, and lips testifies to the sensitivity and skill of the artist. In the Kingdom of Benin, i...