_The Power of Magic and the Military
_Plaque with two Chiefs, The Benin people of Nigeria, 15th -17th Century, Brass.
This is a plaque constructed from brass and was used as part of a display of about nine hundred plaques to decorate the royal palace in Benin. The two figures created in full relief are clothed in military regalia consisting of coral-bead headdresses, chokers, anklets, and armlets. These items all signify very high status to the Benin people. References to the king of the forest animals can be found in the stylized leopard cloth and leopard tooth necklaces. This king has the ability to frighten and scare off its enemies. Each chief holds a leather shield in one hand and a ceremonial dancing sword in the other. The way that these figures are represented, especially considering their clothing and regalia, are participating in a ceremony and not actually engaged in combat. These ceremonies allow military figures to wield magical powers that are so great that they may become dangerous if not used properly. This seems to suggest that the military of Benin have been given a great deal of responsibility in harnessing such a significant amount of magical might and strength.
This is a plaque constructed from brass and was used as part of a display of about nine hundred plaques to decorate the royal palace in Benin. The two figures created in full relief are clothed in military regalia consisting of coral-bead headdresses, chokers, anklets, and armlets. These items all signify very high status to the Benin people. References to the king of the forest animals can be found in the stylized leopard cloth and leopard tooth necklaces. This king has the ability to frighten and scare off its enemies. Each chief holds a leather shield in one hand and a ceremonial dancing sword in the other. The way that these figures are represented, especially considering their clothing and regalia, are participating in a ceremony and not actually engaged in combat. These ceremonies allow military figures to wield magical powers that are so great that they may become dangerous if not used properly. This seems to suggest that the military of Benin have been given a great deal of responsibility in harnessing such a significant amount of magical might and strength.