Modern copy of a wall plaque similar to those hung in the king’s (Oba’s) palace in Ancient Benin to record historical events. Final cast with no wooden base. The plaque shows Oba Esigie and is a copy of a plaque made in 1505AD.
Brass plaques like this one were used in Ancient Benin to make a permanent record of important people and events in the history of the kingdom, which would have been displayedf on the walls of the Oba's palace. Plaques like this one would show past kings, merchants, warriors, chiefs, and priests in order to record important events, stories, trade arrangements, and victories.