#832280 Benin Royal Bronze Queen Mother Nigeria

Superb Old  Benin bronze figure representing a the queen mother 

approx :11.5" h by 4.5 "w by 3.5" D 

 Queen mother is represented in her full ceremonial regalia included a beaded choker, a coral beaded necklace etc.

Queen mothers were believed to have supernatural powers which could be used to aid their sons,

 the obas, and heads/busts like this one were kept on altars in royal enclaves. 

Benin art is royal art, made to glorify the great king, or OBA, who is considered to have divine ancestry.