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585845001
Relief plaque made of brass cast using the 'cire perdue' (lost wax) technique. Rectangular in form with side flanges (partly missing). Holes for attachment at top centre and bottom right and left. Background surface is decorated with stylised quatrefoil (river leaf) patterns and stippling. Depicts central seated figure of Oba flanked by two kneeling supporters. Oba wears elaborate coral bead regalia comprising: long-sleeved shirt; deep multi-strand collar; anklets and single string of beads at waist; cylindrical crown with tall protrusion which is surmounted by a finial. The crown has three large cylindrical beads down front and one on each side. Strings of coral beads hang at each side of his face. The Oba wears a straight skirt with deep interlace patterned border and has metal wristlets on each arm. Pendant masks in the form of human faces hang from waist at front of skirt. In his right proper hand he holds a axe. The two attendants wear similar attire: long-sleeved beaded shirts, straight patterned skirts, beaded anklets and metal wristlets. Pendant masks in the form of crocodiles suspended from waist. Both wear deep multi-strand collars and cylindrical helmets with protrusions and finials. Multi-string panels hang on either side of face and at back of head. Head and torso of two small European figures flank either side of Oba's crown. Both shown in profile facing inwards. Characterised by long hair and helmets with three large bosses topped by a feather. Figure on left proper holds manilla in right hand; other figure
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