ticketsMember | Make a donation

Altar Ring

17th–19th century
Not on view
The imagery of this brass ring relates to human sacrifice. Arrayed along the ring's circumference are three gagged and severed heads and four bound, decapitated bodies; vultures are depicted eating the remains. A much larger head, covered in vertical striations and wearing an elaborate, conical hat, is not gagged and likely represents a ruler rather than a sacrificial victim. Interspersed among these figurative elements are depictions of round pots meant to hold water and herbal medicines. Performed infrequently, such sacrifices were momentous occasions designed to strengthen and protect an entire community or kingdom.

Rings of this kind have been found throughout the Benin kingdom, as well as at Yoruba capitals such as Owo, Ife, and Ijebu. Although largely similar to one another in form and function, such altar rings may be attributed to various brass-casting centers by virtue of their stylistic characteristics. This ring probably derives from a provincial region at the edges of the Benin kingdom. While its slender cross section, large diameter, and high relief recall similar works from Benin, the ruler's striated face and the victim's willowy limbs and thick, hatched eyelids are distinctly non-Edo in appearance.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Altar Ring
  • Date: 17th–19th century
  • Geography: Nigeria, Court of Benin (?)
  • Culture: Edo peoples
  • Medium: Brass
  • Dimensions: H. 1 7/8 × W. 8 1/2 × D. 8 1/2 in. (4.8 × 21.6 × 21.6 cm)
  • Classification: Metal-Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Klaus G. Perls, 1991
  • Object Number: 1991.17.134a, b
  • Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing

More Artwork

More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Ùhúnmwèlaò (head of an ọ́bà), Ìgùn Ẹ́rọ̀nwwọ̀n (brass-casting guild) artists, Brass, Edo
Ùhúnmwèlaò (head of an ọ́bà)
Ìgùn Ẹ́rọ̀nwwọ̀n (brass-casting guild) artists
Early 15th–mid-16th century
Court official from a commemorative altar, Ìgùn Ẹ́rọ̀nwwọ̀n (brass-casting guild) artists, Brass, Edo peoples
Court official from a commemorative altar
Ìgùn Ẹ́rọ̀nwwọ̀n (brass-casting guild) artists
16th–17th century
Plaque with equestrian ọ́bà (king) and attendants, Ìgùn Ẹ́rọ̀nwwọ̀n (brass-casting guild) artists, Brass, Edo peoples
Plaque with equestrian ọ́bà (king) and attendants
Ìgùn Ẹ́rọ̀nwwọ̀n (brass-casting guild) artists
ca. 1540–70
Plaque with Warrior and Attendants, Ìgùn Ẹ́rọ̀nwwọ̀n (brass-casting guild) artists, Brass, Edo
Plaque with Warrior and Attendants
Ìgùn Ẹ́rọ̀nwwọ̀n (brass-casting guild) artists
ca. 1540–70
Pendant mask of Ìyọ́bà Idià, Ìgbèsànmwà (ivory- and wood- carving guild) artists, Ivory, iron, brass, coal, traces of iron oxides, Edo
Pendant mask of Ìyọ́bà Idià
Ìgbèsànmwà (ivory- and wood- carving guild) artists
16th century

Related Content

Timeline of Art History

Entries from The Met's art encyclopedia.

Publications

Books, guides, and catalogues published by The Met.

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.