Galerie Peter Herrmann

Ancient Art from Africa - Benin & Ife

Horseman:

More than anything else, it is the uncommon headdress worn by this horseman that makes him remarkable. The upper part of the crown depicts a hollowed-out ear of corn or a palm frond. Directly below it, a large quantity of red, parrot-tail feathers are strung, ending in coral necklaces on the lower part of the crown. The horseman's large collar is also interesting: most likely a European ruff, it was probably presented to the local Oba by the Dutch or the Portuguese in thanks for his hospitality. His cowry-decorated tunic, on the other hand, is a traditional indigenous garment. The smooth shield of braided reed at his side, meanwhile, is intended less for physical protection than as a symbol - specifically, a good luck charm meant to guarantee a safe return from war. If the ruff does, in fact, hearken back to a European tradition, this horseman is a wonderful indication that the cultural exchange between Europe and Africa/Nigeria already existed in the 16th century.

Cp.:
Felix von LUSCHAN: Die Altertümer von Benin, Band 1-3, Berlin 1919, S. 174 und 297.
Philip DARK, W./ B. FORMAN: Die Kunst von Benin, Prag 1960, S. 50.
Paula Girshick BEN-AMOS: The art of Benin, London 1995, S. 54.
Barbara PLANKENSTEINER (Hg.): Benin. Könige und Rituale. Höfische Kunst aus Nigeria, Wien 2007, S. 449/ 450.