Plaque with Portuguese Traders and Manillas
This is an example of the series of cast brass plaques that historically hung on the wooden pillars of the Benin royal palace. This particular work reflects the association made by the Edo people between the Portuguese, depicted with sharp noses, long hair, and unique dress, and wealth, represented by the brass manillas (coins).
Artwork Details
- Title: Plaque with Portuguese Traders and Manillas
- Artist: Ìgùn Ẹ́rọ̀nwwọ̀n (brass-casting guild) artists
- Date: ca. 1540–70
- Geography: Nigeria, Court of Benin
- Culture: Edo peoples
- Medium: Brass
- Dimensions: H. 18 × W. 7 3/4 × D. 1 in. (45.7 × 19.7 × 2.5 cm)
- Classification: Metal-Sculpture
- Credit Line: Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Klaus G. Perls, 1991
- Object Number: 1991.17.13
- Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing
More Artwork
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Ìgùn Ẹ́rọ̀nwwọ̀n (brass-casting guild) artists
Early 15th–mid-16th century
Ìgùn Ẹ́rọ̀nwwọ̀n (brass-casting guild) artists
ca. 1540–70
Ìgùn Ẹ́rọ̀nwwọ̀n (brass-casting guild) artists
ca. 1540–70
Ìgùn Ẹ́rọ̀nwwọ̀n (brass-casting guild) artists
ca. 1540–70
Ìgùn Ẹ́rọ̀nwwọ̀n (brass-casting guild) artists
18th–19th century
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