#5069 Benin Bronze Oba King Soldier Nigeria African 6.25 " H

Superb Benin Bronze Oba King Soldier  Nigeria African approx  6.25" H by 3" w by 2" D

with amazing dark patina 

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

The brass casters Benin castings were all made by the lost wax technique, which produces one-of-a-kind pieces. 

A core of wax is covered with clay.

 The wax is carved into the exact shape which the artist wants the finished piece , historically worked primarily for the monarchy, with  pieces being available to chiefs.

This tradition has been in existence since the fifteenth or sixteenth century.