Benin Bronze Crocodile Sculpture Royal African Statue 39", 19+ LBS, Private Coll., SPLENDID Character ! Start Price USD 3,200.00 Current Price USD 3,200.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Sunday, May 11, 2008 End Time Friday, May 16, 2008 Location Santa Fe, NM See more about 'Benin Bronze Crocodile Sculpture Royal African Statue' Description   Benin Bronze Crocodile Figure Royal African StatueTraditional Tribal Sculpture - Nigeria     A Splendid Benin Bronze Crocodile w/ Fish Figural SculptureAntique African Art - Royal Court Ritual Statue - Old Benin Kingdom, Nigeria Collected from the: Old Benin Kingdom in what is now known as Nigeria, West AfricaMaterial: Bronze, old lost wax casting of copper/tin alloyEstimated Period: early to mid 20th centuryDimensions: 39" length, 13" width, 7" height; weight is 19.45 poundsCondition: Exceptional. From a private Seattle collection, the condition of this exquisitely detailed croc remains unchanged from the time of it's original acquisition. No damage, anticipated minute flaws, known as "blow holes", inherent to the early casting process; tool signatures, iconography and surface condition appear appropriate for the period. Please click on the photos below to fully appreciate this remarkable piece! And be sure to see the beautiful AFRICAN BRONZES in our eBay store! Or explore our fascinating AFRICAN SCULPTURES ! Click Images to Enlarge Benin Crocodile Traditions“In Benin thought, the crocodile is associated with the realm of Olokun; it is considered a “policeman of the water” or “lord of the water” and is feared for its ferocity and tenaciousness. Blackmun identifies crocodiles as Olokun’s chiefs and messengers when associated with the fish-legged figure said to represent Obo Ohen who is also identified with Olokun. Crocodiles are occasionally shown devouring fish, implying power, strength and dominance in his environment. In this regard, the crocodile functions as an extension of the power of the Oba, since both the Oba and the crocodile have the power to take life. According to Ben-Amos, two different crocodile genera are depicted. One type, characterized by an elongated snout is either the Nile crocodile (Crocodilus niloticus) or the long-snouted crocodile (Crocodilus cataphractus). Both are very ferocious and aggressive. The second type (Osteolemus tetraspis) with a shorter snout is more tranquil and poses no threat to man.” See The Art of Power The Power of Art; Studies in Benin Iconography for a fascinating account of this culture. Chronology of Benin Art:As a result of the abrupt and violent manner in which most royal art forms of the kingdom of Benin were removed from their original context by the British in 1897, there is a dearth of documentation to situate individual works historically. This has led art historians to propose stylistic theories concerning their chronological execution. The current accepted theory is that the smallest and most naturalistic objects are the earliest, with a gradual progression toward increased size and degree of stylization. Between 1500 and 1800, the Benin kingdom gradually grew in both wealth and power, primarily through extensive trade with the Portuguese. In the arts, this expansion is manifested in a dramatic increase in the size and ostentation of royal regalia. Crowns of Edo kings grew steadily more encrusted with coral beading and this appears to have been reflected in changes in commemorative representations as well. Additionally, the largess of royal patronage decreased artisans’ incentive to be judicious with expensive materials, allowing them to create ever-larger objects. Therefore, in the attempt to construct a chronology for Benin art, it makes sense that later castings would be both heavier and larger objects that conspicuously consumed greater quantities of imported brass and emphasized the more elaborate regalia. Benin Tribal HistoryBenin, the principle kingdom of western Africa from the 12th to 19th centuries, was founded by the Edo peoples; ruled by the Oba, the divine ruler or king whose ancestral lineage has ruled since the 14th century; and has long received world wide acclaim for its exceptional art, especially remarkable bronzes created from the old lost wax method of casting. The people of Benin (the Bini) were direct descendants of the Ife, also renowned for bronze art. Traditionally Benin art was created to honor the Oba who controlled the use and production of all elephant tusk (ivoire) and bronze materials. Benin traded with the Portuguese and Dutch during the 15th century, allowing the first pieces of this incredible work to be brought out into the Western World. Some believe that influence of this contact can be seen in the art since that period. The British burned and conquered Benin City in 1897, leaving the remains of a once flourishing kingdom to be incorporated into British Nigeria. Each bronze was first hand sculpted, then cast through the lost wax process, resulting in unique, one-of-a-kind art that has amazed the world with its complexity of detailed designs and sophisticated style. It is widely believed that Benin’s use of bronze symbolized power, continuity, endurance, and permanence of the rulers, the Benin kingdom, and the Bini themselves. In 1914 the Oba lifted restrictions on art sales and the bronze guilds began to create for the public, making these authentic old bronzes a rare and treasured find indeed. Cat. # bbbc2 ************************************************************************************ THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING SANTA FE AFRICAN ART !!! We strive to earn your ***** FIVE STAR ***** rating in all 4 categories!If you are not 5 star satisfied, please contact us immediately!Your Satisfaction is Unconditionally Guaranteed ! ************************************************************************************ Multiple purchases = SUBSTANTIAL savings on your shipping costs! Never a charge for handling! Important Note: UPS and USPS International request a daytime phone number for delivery, PLEASE be sure to include this information with your payment to ensure expedited service. Dimensional weight domestic rates include tracking or free Delivery Confirmation. USPS insurance is optional and highly recommended. 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