Horseman

Benin, Nigeria
16th century
Bronze
63 cm

Confirmation

More than anything else, it is the uncommon headdress worn by this horseman that makes him remarkable. The upper part of the crown depicts a hollowed-out ear of corn or a palm frond. Directly below it, a large quantity of red, parrot-tail feathers are strung, ending in coral necklaces on the lower part of the crown. The horseman's large collar is also interesting: most likely a European ruff, it was probably presented to the local Oba by the Dutch or the Portuguese in thanks for his hospitality. His cowry-decorated tunic, on the other hand, is a traditional indigenous garment. The smooth shield of braided reed at his side, meanwhile, is intended less for physical protection than as a symbol - specifically, a good luck charm meant to guarantee a safe return from war. If the ruff does, in fact, hearken back to a European tradition, this horseman is a wonderful indication that the cultural exchange between Europe and Africa/Nigeria already existed in the 16th century.

Cp.:
Felix von LUSCHAN: Die Altertümer von Benin, Band 1-3, Berlin 1919, S. 174 und 297.
Philip DARK, W./ B. FORMAN: Die Kunst von Benin, Prag 1960, S. 50.
Paula Girshick BEN-AMOS: The art of Benin, London 1995, S. 54.
Barbara PLANKENSTEINER (Hg.): Benin. Könige und Rituale. Höfische Kunst aus Nigeria, Wien 2007, S. 449/ 450.