260439 - African terracotta Oba Royal court Dwarf sculpture - Bini Edo - Benin.
€225.00
African terracotta Oba Royal court Dwarf sculpture - Bini Edo - Benin - Nigeria.
Height: 36 cm.
Dwarfs played a very specific role at the court of Oba in Benin. They were there to cheer up the prince and to speak the truth in a lighthearted way.
The Oba of Benin is the traditional ruler and custodian of the culture of the Edo people. The then Kingdom of Benin (not to be confused with the contemporary and unrelated Republic of Benin, is still largely populated by the Edo (also known as Benin ethnic group).