Head of an Oba is a cast-brass sculpture from the 16th century, made by the Edo peoples of the Benin Kingdom (1180-1897), southern Nigeria. It was made to commemorate an oba, or king, at the prime of his life, representing an idealized young face with kingly accessories - a cap of coral beads and rolled collar, two items characteristic of Benin rulers. The Edo peoples regarded the head as the source of knowledge and power, making it a crucial site for not only the king’s well being, but the kingdom’s as well. Head of an Oba is part of a collection of works known collectively as the Benin Bronzes, a grouping of thousands of objects including sculptures, plaques, and carved tusks found in museums all over the world.

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Learn more about Benin Bronzes repatriation HERE.