Queen Mother Idia of Benin: A Stolen Masterpiece's Legacy
The ivory pendant mask Queen Mother Idia of Benin, created in the 16th century Kingdom of Benin, is now held by the British Museum after being looted during the 1897 Punitive Expedition. The mask depicts Iy'oba Idia, a warrior queen who aided her son Oba Esigie (r. 1504-50) in military campaigns. It features Portuguese faces symbolizing trade relations, afro-textured hair, scarification marks inlaid with iron, and a lattice ruffle. The mask is made of elephant ivory, iron, and copper alloy, measuring 9.6 inches high. It was one of five pendants commissioned by Oba Esigie. The British invasion deposed Oba Ovonramwen Nogbaisi and destroyed the Benin economy. Despite its removal, the mask serves as a cultural ambassador for African heritage.
Key facts
- Queen Mother Idia of Benin is a 16th-century ivory pendant mask from the Kingdom of Benin.
- It depicts Iy'oba Idia, a warrior queen who fought alongside her son Oba Esigie.
- The mask was looted during the British Punitive Expedition of 1897.
- It is held by the British Museum.
- Materials include elephant ivory, iron, and copper alloy.
- The mask features Portuguese faces, afro-textured hair, and scarification marks.
- Oba Esigie commissioned five similar pendants to honor his mother.
- The mask measures 9.6 inches in height.
Entities
Artists
- Iy'oba Idia
- Oba Esigie
- Oba Ovonramwen Nogbaisi
Institutions
- British Museum
- Kingdom of Benin
Locations
- Benin City
- Nigeria
- United Kingdom
- Niger River
- Congo River
- Nile River
- Niger Delta
- Lagos Lagoon
- Portugal