staff of office

The ownership of this object was transferred to Nigeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) in November 2022.

A ceremonial brass staff of office. Benin City. The staff of office is made of copper alloy and decorated with an incised plaited motif, and with two human figures holding weapons. Made by Igun Eronmwon guildmembers (bronze and brass casters).

The Oba of Benin gave the title of Iyase to to a powerful military commander who also acted as the peoples’ representative at the Oba’s court. Such staffs would have been carried by representatives of the Iyase to confirm their authority while fulfilling official duties on behalf of the Iyase. The top of this staff handle shows a Iyase, wearing his distinctive hat.

fighting

object
MUSEUM NUMBER
4385
PLACE
COLLECTION
MEASUREMENTS
overall: 780 mm x 25 mm x 25 mm
MATERIAL/TECHNIQUE
copper alloy
CATEGORY
Anthropology: Ethnography
LOCATION
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Collection Information

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