Figs. 124 and 125.—Human mask of brass; the pupils of the eyes inlaid with iron. Reticulated head-dress, with rosettes probably of agate. Three tribal marks over each eye. Rows of semi-circles filled with semi-circles round neck. The features are rounded, and, although a good deal tooled, are less flattened by filing than some of these masks. This is a good specimen of Benin art.
Figs. 126 and 127.—Human mask of brass; the pupils of the eyes inlaid with iron. Reticulated head-dress, with rosettes probably of agate. Coral band above the forehead. Three tribal marks over each eye. Ears badly formed. Coral choker, badge of rank. Guilloche pattern, with pellets round neck. The face is very much tooled and filed, and the lips and nose flattened by filing. Crotals have probably been suspended from the eyelets below, as indicated by the eight links of chains left remaining (see Plate XIX, Fig. [112]).
[DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XXII.]
Fig. 128.—Armlet entirely of brass, without other metal. Ornamented with four upright figures and four horizontal heads. The upright figures have their forearms elevated. The legs are very attenuated and the skirt of the dress very pronounced. Eyebrows extremely prominent, and the head-dress of peculiar form and conical. The armlet is surmounted by raised bands, which pass over the figures, and are separated by pierced work. Broad rims are shown at top and bottom, and are edged with herring-bone pattern.
Fig. 129.—Bronze plaque, representing human figure with beard, riding to right; a ranseur of the sixteenth or seventeenth century in right hand, point downwards. Hair combed out straight. No tribal marks. Bodice fastened with buttons. Pleated kilt like Figs. [235 and 236], Plate XXXI, and Fig. [247], Plate XXXII. Twisted or plaited bridle of some limp substance in left hand. Bell and crotals on horse’s neck. Leopards in relief behind figure of horse. Ground ornamented with trefoil leaves and punch-marks. This figure does not appear to be negro. The horse appears to be galloping, which is not the usual Benin method of locomotion.