It is the only such work of art in Polish museums. Bronzes from Benin, one of the kingdoms of West Africa, which has survived to this day in the state of Edo in Nigeria, are figurines that – contrary to what the name suggests – were mostly cast or engraved in brass between the 16th and 18th centuries. They depict the figures of rulers and the most important events in the history of Benin. The figures are scattered around various European museums, the largest collection is in the British Museum in London.

Courtly art in the Kingdom of Benin

The cast of the head of the Queen Mother (Iyoba) is an example of the courtly art of the Benin Empire. Most likely it was made in the 18th or early 19th century in the late period of the kingdom. This is evidenced by the large size, weight and manner of presenting the Queen Mother devoid of any personal features. The casting is made of bronze using the lost wax method. Benin's courtly art shows a hierarchical and patrilineal society organised around the figure of the divine ruler (Oba). Initially, heads carved in wood were placed on the altars of ancestors. From the end of the 13th century, they were made of bronze, which was associated with the introduction of foundries to the court. The first casts were images of Oba.