Why was the Queen Mother pendant mask made?
Art historians believe she is Queen Idia, the mother of Oba (King) Esigie, who ruled the kingdom of Benin in Nigeria over five hundred years ago. Oba Esigie wore this mask around his neck during ceremonies to honor his mother, and show her as a powerful leader and trusted adviser.
How was the pendant representing an Iyoba displayed?
How was the pendant representing an iyoba displayed? Would have actually been worn on side of hip, like a belt. Worn as a reminder to pay homage to Queen Mother.
Why are the Mudfish shown on the Queen Mother pendant mask?
Because they live both on land and in the water, mudfish represent the king’s dual nature as human and divine. Having come from across the seas, the Portuguese were considered denizens of the spirit realm who brought wealth and power to the “oba”. Display Materials: ivory, iron, and copper (?)
Who created the Queen Mother pendant mask Iyoba?
Esigie rewarded his key political and mystical advisor during these trials, his mother Idia, with the title of Iyoba (Queen Mother)—the first in a tradition of Queen Mother advisors. The identification with Idia was made by Oba Akenzua II in the mid-20th century.
What does the Benin ivory mask symbolize?
In Benin, ivory is related to the color white, a symbol of ritual purity that is associated with Olokun, god of the sea. As the source of extraordinary wealth and fertility, Olokun is the spiritual counterpart of the oba. Ivory is central to the constellation of symbols surrounding Olokun and the oba.
How much is the Benin mask worth?
IN London on February 17, Sotheby’s will sell a rediscovered 16th century Benin ivory mask – and five other rare works from the Kingdom of Benin in Nigeria – consigned by the family of a key participant in the controversial Punitive Expedition. The mask alone is estimated at £3.5m-4.5m.
How was the Iyoba ivory pendant worn and by whom?
The pendant mask is believed to have been produced in the early sixteenth century for the King or ObaEsigie, the king of Benin, to honor his mother, Idia. The oba may have worn it at rites commemorating his mother, although today such pendants are worn at annual ceremonies of spiritual renewal and purification.
How was Iyoba important?
In times of war, the Iyoba was the only woman in the kingdom that was constitutionally empowered to participate. As a chief of high rank, she served as the commander of her own military regiment – the Queen’s Own. Following her death, an Iyoba became the patron goddess of her son the king.
When was the Queen Mother pendant mask made?
sixteenth century
Although images of women are rare in Benin’s courtly tradition, these two works have come to symbolize the legacy of a dynasty that continues to the present day. The pendant mask is believed to have been produced in the early sixteenth century for the King or ObaEsigie, the king of Benin, to honor his mother, Idia.
What is an Iyoba How was she important?
The title of Queen Mother, or Iyoba, is given to the woman who bears the Oba’s first son, the future ruler of the kingdom. Historically, the Queen Mother would have no other children and, instead, devote her life to raising her son.
What are Benin masks used for?
Who is the first Oba in Nigeria?
Eweka
The first oba, or king, in Benin was Eweka. He was the son of the prince from Ife. The kingdom reached its greatest power and size under Oba Ewuare the Great. He expanded the kingdom and improved the capital, present-day Benin City; the city was defined by massive walls.
Where was the Queen Mother pendant mask made?
Although images of women are rare in Benin’s courtly tradition, these two works have come to symbolize the legacy of a dynasty that continues to the present day. The pendant mask is believed to have been produced in the early sixteenth century for the King or ObaEsigie, the king of Benin, to honor his mother, Idia.
What does Queen Mother mean in Africa?
In traditional Ghana, the title of “queen mother” relays a rank of authority within the community. Queen Mothers are responsible for designating the next chief, providing wise counsel to the chief and his elders, rallying all women together, and keeping an eye on the social conditions within the society.
What were African masks used for?
Masks serve an important role in rituals or ceremonies with varied purposes like ensuring a good harvest, addressing tribal needs in times of peace or war, or conveying spiritual presences in initiation rituals or burial ceremonies. Some masks represent the spirits of deceased ancestors.
Are Edo and Yoruba related?
Benin Kingdom in Edo is Yoruba territory — Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi. The Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on Tuesday said Benin Kingdom in Edo State remained part of the expansive Yoruba race, a pronouncement that may spark fresh rivalry and altercation between people of the two ancient kingdoms.
What is the history of the African mask?
The creation and history of the African Mask is one steeped in meaning and tradition. The art of carving the African mask was often taught to young men who were apprenticed to master carvers. In other cases, the art of making masks and sculptures to be used in spiritual ceremonies was passed down in families from one generation to the next.
What is the significance of a tribal mask?
Masks were an important part of the tradition of different African tribes. These masks were associated with different kinds of rituals and ceremonies and were an integral part of the tribal culture.
How was the art of carving the African mask passed down?
The art of carving the African mask was often taught to young men who were apprenticed to master carvers. In other cases, the art of making masks and sculptures to be used in spiritual ceremonies was passed down in families from one generation to the next.
What do the colors of African masks mean?
As they are worn across many different cultures, the colors of African masks have multiple meanings. However, several common meanings can be found for three colors: red, white and black. Red is often used to represent blood spilled during wars or childbirth. White signifies a mother’s milk or sperm, or the spirits of the ancestors.