Blog Post 9

The enhanced exhibition, "Intersections of Majesty and Exchange: Africa and Europe in the Early Modern Period," delves deeper into the nuanced interplay of African artistry, European influence, and the shared histories of these continents. Each artifact in this collection is a story in itself, illuminating the cultural, artistic, and historical landscapes of the Early Modern Period.

1. Royal Tusk, Nigeria (c. 1750): This tusk, likely from the altar of an Ezomo (a high-ranking noble), is rich in symbolism linking the Oba (king) of Benin to divine realms. Intricate carvings depict mythological and historical narratives, including an elephant representing a legendary military leader and figures with fishtails signifying the Oba's descent from Olokun, the sea lord. The presence of Portuguese soldiers carved into the tusk signifies the long-standing alliance between Benin and Portugal, a relationship that dates back to the 15th century.

 

2. Head of an Oba, Nigeria (1525-1575): This regal bronze head represents the artistic zenith of the Kingdom of Benin. It served as a veneration object for a deceased Oba, symbolizing continuity of kingship. The head reflects the exceptional metal-casting skills of Benin craftsmen. Its journey from the royal palace to foreign collections during the 1897 British invasion underlines the tumultuous and often exploitative nature of European colonial expeditions in Africa.

 

3. Embroidered Cloth from Azimur, Morocco (c. 1750): This exquisite silk embroidery, featuring designs like the fat bird and skirted lady, showcases the interwoven cultural influences across the Mediterranean. The use of monochrome silk and a unique stem stitch, often in shades of red and black, illustrates a fusion of African, European, and Middle Eastern artistic traditions.

 

4. Salt Cellar, Benin, Nigeria (1525-1600): This ivory masterpiece, portraying Europeans with distinctive features, signifies the early contact between Africa and Europe. It represents a unique category of 'tourist art,' commissioned by European traders, embodying the burgeoning cross-continental interactions and commerce.

 

5. Hogon Equestrian Statue, Mali (1800s): This Dogon sculpture, depicting a revered hogon (leader) on horseback, symbolizes status and power. The horse, a symbol of wealth, underscores the societal prestige associated with equestrian figures in West African art. This piece also reflects the historical introduction of horses to the region and their incorporation into the socio-political and religious spheres.

 

6. Power Figure (Nkisi Nkondi), Kongo peoples (c. 19th century): This nkisi nkondi, a container for sacred substances, represents the Kongo response to European colonialism and slave trade. These figures, which emerged in the 19th century, were believed to bring harm to wrongdoers, reflecting the socio-political upheavals and the community’s resistance to external threats, particularly during the heightening of Portuguese colonization and enslavement.

 

7. Queen Mother Pendant Mask: Iyoba, Edo (16th century): This ivory mask, symbolizing the mother of Oba Esigie, embodies the confluence of Benin tradition and foreign elements. Its depiction of Portuguese figures and mudfish highlights the blend of local and European motifs, reflecting the complex relationship between Benin and its overseas trading partners.

 

8. Double Diptych Icon Pendant, Ethiopia (early 18th century): This Ethiopian Christian icon, influenced by European artistic forms, exemplifies the religious and artistic synthesis of the period. The iconography, portraying saints and biblical scenes, is rendered in the distinct Gondarine style, indicative of the cultural exchanges between Ethiopia and Europe.

 

9. Ivory Sculpture of Saint Francis of Assisi, Goa (17th century): This intricate ivory carving, likely of Indian or Sri Lankan origin, depicts Saint Francis with Caucasian features. It highlights the global reach of Christian iconography and underscores the intricate interplay of religious, cultural, and economic exchanges between Africa, Europe, and Asia.

 

10. Carved Ivory Armlet Inlaid with Brass, Benin (18th century): This sophisticated armlet, forming a pair with another in the British Museum, showcases the exceptional craftsmanship of Benin's artists. The armlet, adorned with ceremonial 'eben' swords, abstract faces, and Portuguese heads, symbolizes the confluence of local tradition and foreign influence. The incorporation of brass inlays, a technique demanding collaboration between ivory carvers and bronze casters, reflects the high level of artistic mastery in Benin and signifies the recognition of ancestral and foreign influence in Benin's affairs.

 

Each artifact in this exhibition offers a unique lens through which to view the intricate tapestry of African and European interactions in the Early Modern Period. Through these objects, we gain insights into the complexities of cultural exchange, the impacts of colonialism, and the resilience and adaptability of African societies during this transformative era.