guilloche, oba n'iri agbon

Piece of woodcarving in 'everlasting' knot design.

PLACE: Benin City, Nigeria, West Africa

RELATED OBJECTS: Centenary Gallery:
Brass Altar Bells, Ezuzu Fans, Ivory Amulets, Hand Held Ivory clappers.
Music gallery; Ukhurhe (Rattle Staff),Clapper bell, Side Blown Horns.
African Worlds; Benin Plaques

Wooden door lintels were used in important buildings in Ancient Benin. This design, known as the 'everlasting knot'. has a long history and has been used in many cultures alongside Benin including Ancient Egypt, Rome, and Greece, and in modern day Islamic and Celtic decorations. This symbol often represents everlasting love, devotion, and loyalty. The palace of the oba (king) and houses of chiefs would have their wooden doors, pillars, or altars carved with this symbol, as it is associated with royalty.

object
MUSEUM NUMBER
HC.1999.887
COLLECTION
MEASUREMENTS
overall: 630 x 160 x 52 mm
MATERIAL/TECHNIQUE
wood
CATEGORY
Education Handling Collection: Anthropology
LOCATION
In storage
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Collection Information

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