The Oba's armlet

From: Benin, Nigeria
Date: 15th-16th century AD

Every year, the king of Benin (the Oba) takes part in the Bead Festival. This is held in memory of a fight between one Oba and the god Olokun for the precious royal beads of coral, symbols of the king's authority.

During the Festival all the beads belonging to the king, his wives and chiefs are placed on an altar and the blood of a cow is poured over them, to give the beads power. Then the Oba, wearing a bead costume and this armlet, dances with a sword and gong. Can you see the Oba carved on the armlet? He has been given the legs of a mudfish, showing that he has power over sea as well as land.