Benin Ivory Mask (module 6)

Edo People, Iyoba Pendant Mask,

16th c., ivory, iron, copper 

In the image above we see an African mask that was carved from ivory and had iron and copper inlayed into it. The mask presented above depicts a very well thought out and sacred piece of ivory art, this piece symbolizes a mothers love for her child and depicts the importance of various cultural aspects of Benin city. This mask actually depicts a specific woman in Benin history. This mask was made as a recognition of the Queen mother's (Eidia) contribution to maneuvering her son (Essergy) into position to become the next King. She is being recognized for securing the future of the kingdom by fighting for her son to become the next King. This mask was not made to be worn as a typical mask, on the face, but rather to be attached to someone's hip as a decoration or adornment.

This piece was created with the main material being ivory, a highly significant material to be used at the time. This material is still highly sought after even in present times. The use of ivory in this piece is significant because it appears as though it is illuminating, giving the feeling that the piece is actually alive. The use of ivory helps to portray the power of the individual in the piece. It is also thought that the two lines above her eye used to be inlayed with coral or gold, giving the viewer the sense that this piece was elegant and finished. The mudfish and Portuguese men on the mask represent the strategic alliance that was formed between Benin city and the Portuguese. In this alliance they traded cloth for the Portuguese brass in which they used to create their brass work. The Benin bronzes are very well known works of art from this region at the time because they tell us the stories of them taking on rivals and building the kingdom and the rise of their material culture.

This mask allows the viewers to see that the Benin royals valued their relationship with the Portuguese and wanted to make their relationship a part of their culture and their artwork. This shows that the royals had the utmost respect for their allies in Portugal and wanted to commemorate their relationship through their artworks. This mask also shows the viewer that family and heredity play large roles in the selection of the people whom are put in a position of power over the city. This mask was created to recognize a mothers desire and fight to get her son into a position of power as the King of Benin city. This mask shows us that the people admired her for her willingness and drive to get her son to be the King because she wanted the best for the future of the kingdom.




HENI Talks, "Benin ivory mask (Edo peoples)," in Smarthistory, June 17, 2018, accessed February 28, 2021, https://smarthistory.org/ivory-mask-benin/.