Commemorative Sword
CultureBenin Kingdom
Date19th century
MediumIron, hide, and ivory
DimensionsOverall: 40 5/8 × 8 9/16 × 6 1/8 inches (103.19 × 21.75 × 15.56 cm)
Credit LinePurchase: William Rockhill Nelson Trust through the George H. and Elizabeth O. Davis Fund
Object number94-28
On View
On viewGallery Location
- L9
Collections
DescriptionLarge sword with leaf-shaped blade decorated with open-work patterning over its entire surface. sword is decorated with engraved ivory sections. enclosed in a large ring of iron decorated with small sections of hide.Gallery LabelThis ceremonial sword, called eben, is emblematic of chiefly status and royal authority. The sword, with its openwork and leaf-like form, may symbolize a king's combined military strength and occult knowledge of supernaturally powerful forest leaves and herbs. During state rituals, chiefs and titleholders pay homage to the King by twirling and tossing an eben sword into the air. In court arts attesting to a queen mother's unique female authority, eben swords may be displayed symbolizing power and chiefly status otherwise reserved for men.
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