Page 81 - Works of Art from Benin-Nigeria- West Africa
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68                      Antique   Works  of  Art from  Benin.













                                   DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XXXIV.



                       258 to 260.   Round execution block, with marks on the   top  for the thumbs and
                  Figs.
                           forehead of the victim  ; elaborately  ornamented all over.  On the  projection
                           on which the forehead  is intended to rest is a double row of cowrie shells,
                           bound round. A band of     guilloche pattern, incised, runs round the circle,
                           and the              for the thumbs of the victim are ornamented with
                                    projections
                                                  On the sides of the block are three human          in
                           herring-bone pattern.                                              figures
                           relief  holding  hands  ;  shields,  a  leaf-shaped sword, and a trident  points
                           down.   The shields are ornamented with  straight  line  diaper pattern,  and a
                           band of the same runs round the  top  of the  edge  of the block.  Two human
                           arms and hands are on the side, and two boxes or stools are between the
                           human            The bottom of the sides    is ornamented with a band of
                                   figures.
                           guilloche pattern  in relief.  The  figures  are clothed with  jackets  and skirts.
                           The whole is much worn,  as if  by  constant use.
                      261.                             on convex   side.  Ornamented with bands of
                 Fig.       Ivory horn, mouth-piece
                           broken
                                  guilloche pattern.
                       262 and 263.   Bronze           A                 a so-called     in       hand.
                 Figs.                        plaque.     figure holding             key    right
                           Coral choker, badge  of rank.  Head-dress, probably  of  agate  or coral.  No
                           cross on dress.
                      264.   Bronze                        a                          in both hands a
                 Fig.                plaque, representing    figure standing holding
                                      sword of the kind shown in No. 130.      The sword
                           leaf-shaped                                                     is narrower,
                           and the swell of the blade nearer the     than in the          of
                                                               point             majority    specimens.
                           A round bell is attached to the left side.  The hair        to be dishevelled
                                                                              appears
                           and                  Three tribal marks over
                               partly plaited.                          eyes.
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