Chapter II: Part 2

Figs. 204 to 209.--Three brass dancing swords or wands, said to be used by virgins in their dances. Each handle is ornamented by four rudely cast figures back to back, carrying objects in their hands, two of which can be identified as birds, and two or three have leaf-shaped swords with ring on pommel. One has bands of straight line diaper pattern. The blades are ornamented with guilloche patterns and floral ornaments incised.

Figs. 210 and 211.--Brass dancing sword or wand, said to be used by virgins in their dances. The handle is ornamented with four figures, which are in pairs back to back. They appear to be holding swords and other objects. The blade is ornamented on one side with bands of strap-work, and on the other with a sinuous line of branching leaves (floral guilloche). Straight line diaper pattern and lines of half-circles are on the square stem of the handle.

Figs. 212 and 213.--Iron wedge-shaped sword, single-edged, enlarging to a broad end. Ivory handle; the grip carved in pointed leaves and studded with lead; pommel in form of a leopard's head; the eyes inlaid with lead; a band carved as two scaly snakes at bottom. The scabbard worked in green plush and red cloth, with human figures and tortoises alternating. This is probably the kind of work represented in metal on some of the dresses on the plaques. The sword belts terminate in tassels of worsted or some other limp material.

Fig. 214.--Iron spear-head, modern, with ogee section, similar to those of Benin. Iron and brass bound shaft.

Figs. 215 and 216.--Iron spear, length 4 feet 11 inches, the head having an ogee section, similar to those used at the present time on the Gaboon and elsewhere in West Africa. Below the spear-head the shaft is ornamented with bronze figures of leopards in two places and two degenerate elephants' heads and eyes, the proboscis terminating in a human hand holding a leaf, as so frequently shown elsewhere. The butt end is cased and bound with brass. The shaft is of iron, with a brass band on the upper parts.

DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XXX.

Figs. 217 and 218.--Carved cocoa-nut, with carving representing a European in boat with spear in right hand and apparently a paddle in the left hand. Figure armed with hoe, and another cutting a palm-tree, with a kind of chisel in the right hand and a bill-hook in the left. One of the figures has distinct buttons on the coat.

Figs. 219 to 221.--Carved cocoa-nut, representing a native on a horse to left, holding up chain-bridle in left hand; spear in right hand, point down. Horse very ill-formed and indistinct. Another carving represents a figure, apparently in boat, holding spears point down. One of the figures is beating a pressure drum, which Mr. Ling Roth describes as being similar to those of the modern Yorubas. The drum-sticks used by two of the figures have curved heads and flat ends. A band of chevrons within chevrons are on the trousers of two figures. The marks on the faces consist of three lines radiating from the corners of the mouth, as in Figs. 90 and 91, Plate XV, and crosses on the cheeks. Tribal marks on faces. A native execution sword, similar to Fig. 110, Plate XVIII, and a flint-lock gun are represented separately between the other figures. The cocoa-nut is hung by a chain of European manufacture. The stopper represents a human face on two supports. Mr. H. Ling Roth, in whose possession this object formerly was, gives a more detailed account of it in "The Studio," December, 1898.

Fig. 222.--Small brass crotals with semicircular ornaments.

Figs. 223 and 224.--Brass bracelet, ornamented with brass representations of rows of cowrie shells, in groups of nine.

Figs. 225 and 226.--Brass object of unknown use, ornamented on the outside with three half-moons and a floral pattern in incised lines, similar to that on the brass sistrum, Figs. 76 to 78, Plate XII; the brass box, Fig. 182, Plate XXVII, and the large quadrangular bell, Figs. 281 and 282, Plate XXXVII. The half-moons are inlaid or plated in copper on the brass. The edges of the object are ornamented with a band of plain guilloche pattern incised. It is possible that this might be a degenerate representation of a double-coiled mud-fish, as shown on the bronze ægis, Fig. 276, Plate XXXVI, and on the bronze necklet, Fig. 158, Plate XXV.

Fig. 227.--Necklet of agate and coral beads. Said to have belonged to the King of Benin.

Fig. 228.--Armlet of coral beads.

Fig. 229.--Necklace of agate cylindrical beads.

DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XXXI.

Fig. 230.--Eight shells of bronze gilt, forming part of a necklace.

Fig. 231.--Ten gold shells, which formed part of the King of Benin's necklace. The shells appear to be "cerithidæ." They are cast hollow. The weight of the ten is 8-3/4 ounces.

Figs. 232 to 234.--Bronze statuette, representing a figure standing; with broad leaf-shaped sword, similar to Figs. 326, 327, 328 and 329, having a twisted ring pommel in right hand, and a sistrum in left hand. Coral choker, badge of rank. Three tribal marks over each eye. Agate head-dress, similar to Fig. 121, Plate XXI, and curved agate pendants on each side. A large twisted ring rises out of the head-dress, which looks as if intended to enclose some thick band of cloth or other substance to suspend it. The crown of the head-dress terminates in a thick cylindrical spike with a flat top, like Fig. 111, Plate XIX, Fig. 155, Plate XXV, and Figs. 167 and 168, Plate XXVI. The sistrum is ornamented with a full-length human figure, holding a staff in right hand and the so-called key or axe in left hand. Beneath the bowl of the sistrum are three projecting cruciform bars, and the upper edge of the bowl is ornamented on each side with two heads very rudely cast. Dr. Felix Roth, in the "Halifax Naturalist," June, 1898, p. 33, speaks of these projecting prongs as being used for killing victims for sacrificial purposes, but the fact of their being sistri is shown in connection with Fig. 181, Plate XXVII. Sinuous serpents cover the shaft and bowl of the sistrum. The leaf-shaped sword is ornamented, front and back, with small imitations of itself. The figure has bands, probably of coral, crossing on the breast. The skirt is ornamented with conventionalized human heads with long hair and rows of guilloche pattern. Ankles have coral anklets. The skirt is bound up in the usual manner in a band behind the left shoulder. There is a band of small bells round the hips, and a human head and a bunch of bells on the left side. This figure was obtained from the Liverpool Museum, in the report of which it is elaborately described and figured with three others like it. "Bulletin of the Liverpool Museums," Vol. I, No. 2, p. 59. There is a figure like this in the British Museum. It is of considerable weight, being cast solid.

Figs. 235 and 236.--Bronze figure of a native, holding what appears to be a flint-lock gun, but the hammer of the lock is broken off. The stock is ornamented with a debased human head. The figure has a leopard's skin on front and back, tail and hind legs of which are shown behind; the tail terminates in a square bell. Sword in sheath on right side and a dagger under the arm on left side, with small bags on both sides. There is a row of eighteen cartridges in the waist-belt in front. The cartridges appear to be stuck upright into sockets in the belt. A curved horn powder-flask is on the belt on the left side. Pleated kilt below waist-belt. On the ground, touching the feet, is a decapitated head and nine large pellets, perhaps cannon balls. The pedestal ornamented with interlaced strap-work, alternating with oval figures, in character resembling the ornament on the stock of the gun. It stands on a framework of curved bars, now broken. The breeches are ornamented with vertical rows of circles. Although this figure holds a flint-lock gun, it is undoubtedly a native, as three tribal marks are shown above each eye. The face is also prognathic. The head-dress seems to be of a woven material.

DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XXXII.

Figs. 237 and 238.--Armlet of ivory, ornamented with representations of human heads, birds and animals, carved on the surface, and also of degenerate elephants' heads, the proboscis, in each case, terminating in a human hand holding a palm branch; horses' heads; tortoises; leopards, &c.; all of the most conventionalized forms. Bands of crotals are carved at each end of the armlet. The armlet consists of two halves connected by a thin brass plate and copper rivets on one side and on the other by copper fastenings. The plate is ornamented by a floral guilloche pattern, similar to that on the central band of Fig. 140, on the wands, Figs. 209 and 211, and elsewhere. This pattern is figured by Messrs. Read and Dalton in the "Journ. Anthrop. Inst.," Vol. XXVII, Plate XXII. The carved figures represented on this ivory armlet are of much greater rudeness than those on the bronze objects generally. Much weathered and probably very old.

Fig. 239.--Quadrangular brass bell, with a degenerate face on one side; the eyes of the face are converted into loops.

Fig. 240.--Quadrangular brass bell. The loops on one side are evidently derived from the degenerate face on Fig. 239.

Fig. 241.--Brass bracelet, consisting of human heads linked together. One of the heads has projections ornamented with concentric circles.

Fig. 242.--Necklet of cylindrical coral beads, four of which are ornamented with straight line diaper pattern. One of the beads is ornamented with a guilloche pattern, with pellets inlaid with lead.

Fig. 243.--Brass bracelet, of peculiar form, ornamented with small circular punch-marks.

Fig. 244.--Brass bracelet, with clusters of rows of circular knobs or shells.

Fig. 245.--Brass bracelet, with six quadrangular knobs having red agate inlaid; similar to Fig. 38, Plate VII.

Fig. 246.--Ægis of bronze, representing a horse's head; edged with eyelets probably for suspending crotals, similar to Fig. 112, Plate XIX, and Figs. 126 and 127, Plate XXI. Engraved on one side of the back is a broad leaf-shaped sword with ring pommel, similar to that on the Ægis, Fig. 276, Plate XXXVI. These engravings are peculiar, and seem to denote a badge or mark, perhaps of ownership of some kind.

Fig. 247.--Bronze plaque, representing figure standing; weapon or implement resembling a ranseur of the sixteenth or seventeenth century in right hand, point upwards. Hair combed straight out. Pot helmet. Bodice fastened with three buttons and tags, perhaps armour. Left hand on left side. Band with clasp round waist. Pleated kilt like Fig. 129, Plate XXII; Figs. 235 and 236, Plate XXXI; Figs. 324 and 325, Plate XLII, and Figs. 360 and 361, Plate XLVI. This figure has very thick lips, but might not be negro. Ground ornamented with leaves in twos and threes, incised, and dotted punch-marks. The figure somewhat resembles in character the mounted figure, Fig. 129, Plate XXII.

Fig. 248.--Bronze plaque, representing a figure playing a drum with sticks; quadrangular bell on neck, ornamented with a sinuous snake, head downwards. Head-dress with two feathers. Hair combed straight and coiled in plaits. A peculiar kind of straight line diaper pattern on drum. This drum has pegs with nobs to fasten down the skin, similar to that represented on the plaque, Fig. 181, Plate XXVII, and to the Jekri drum figured in "Journ. Anthrop. Inst.," Vol. I, New Series, Plate VIII, Fig. 5. Ground ornamented with incised leaf-shaped foil ornaments and punch-marks.

DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XXXIII.

Figs. 249 and 250.--Large bronze cover, use unknown; the ribs ornamented in the usual incised style of Benin work.

Figs. 251 and 252.--Top of a bronze mace, with slits resembling a crotal and a figure with an object, probably a neolithic celt, in the right hand. The figure appears to be bent forward.

Fig. 253.--Bronze round bell, similar to those attached to the dresses on the plaques, Fig. 254, Plate XXXIII, and Fig. 264, Plate XXXIV.

Fig. 254.--Bronze plaque, representing a warrior, execution sword upheld in right hand; broad leaf-shaped sword in left, with a twisted ring or pommel. Quadrangular bell on neck, ornamented with a sinuous snake. Round bell on side; peculiar head-dress; armlets; object like a book under left arm; teeth necklace.

Fig. 255.--Bronze plaque, representing two figures, the right one having a broad leaf-shaped sword upheld in right hand, with a large ring extending from pommel; teeth necklace, but no coral choker; no bell on neck; cylindro-oval head-dress with feather on left side. Both figures hold the same spear, point downwards. Left figure with shield on left arm, quadrangular bell, and leopard's skin dress. Head-dress of the same form as the other, ornamented with cowrie shells. Skirts of both figures ornamented with human heads.

Fig. 256.--Carved wooden Jekri paddle, neighbourhood of Benin. Modern. Chain link shaft. Face on handle end. Pierced work blade.

Fig. 257.--Carved wooden Jekri paddle, neighbourhood of Benin. Modern. Chain link shaft. Full length human figure on handle end. Pierced work blade, with human figures, crocodiles, etc.

DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XXXIV.

Figs. 258 to 260.--Round execution block, with marks on the top for the thumbs and forehead of the victim; elaborately ornamented all over. On the projection on which the forehead is intended to rest is a double row of cowrie shells, bound round. A band of guilloche pattern, incised, runs round the circle, and the projections for the thumbs of the victim are ornamented with herring-bone pattern. On the sides of the block are three human figures in relief holding hands; shields, a leaf-shaped sword, and a trident points down. The shields are ornamented with straight line diaper pattern, and a band of the same runs round the top of the edge of the block. Two human arms and hands are on the side, and two boxes or stools are between the human figures. The bottom of the sides is ornamented with a band of guilloche pattern in relief. The figures are clothed with jackets and skirts. The whole is much worn, as if by constant use.

Fig. 261.--Ivory horn, mouth-piece on convex side. Ornamented with bands of broken guilloche pattern.

Figs. 262 and 263.--Bronze plaque. A figure holding a so-called key in right hand. Coral choker, badge of rank. Head-dress, probably of agate or coral. No cross on dress.

Fig. 264.--Bronze plaque, representing a figure standing holding in both hands a leaf-shaped sword of the kind shown in No. 130. The sword is narrower, and the swell of the blade nearer the point than in the majority of specimens. A round bell is attached to the left side. The hair appears to be dishevelled and partly plaited. Three tribal marks over eyes.

DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XXXV.

Figs. 265 and 266.--Bronze grotesque mask, intended probably as a stand for the carved ivory tusks in the Ju-Ju houses. The eyeballs project like those of the head, No. 137. Three tribal marks over each eye, and four over the nose. The forehead is very projecting; the nose aquiline and very broad. Tags, apparently of coral, are on the sides. The ears are very large.

Fig. 267.--Brass bottle and chain, rudely cast.

Figs. 268 to 270.--Long oval wooden bowl carved out of the solid. On one side (Fig. 269) is a row of five human figures in relief; the central figure has his hands upheld by attendants, who hold in their other hands shields having barbed javelins, points upward behind them. The shields are ornamented with straight line diaper pattern. Another figure holds an object under the arm, perhaps a drum or a food vessel. At both ends there is a representation of a degenerate elephant's head, the proboscis terminating in a human hand holding a branch, similar to Figs. 72, 167, and 316. At one end is a rude representation of a degenerate mud-fish. The other side of the bowl (Fig. 268) is ornamented with a broad guilloche pattern and a square interlaced figure. The interior of the bowl is very rudely chiselled out, showing marks of the tool all over. The carving is very rough and much in the style of the execution block, Figs. 259 and 260, Plate XXXIV.

Fig. 271.--Small bronze bird, with something in the mouth; very rude.

DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XXXVI.

Figs. 272 to 274.--Wooden comb, the handle carved as links of a chain, with a figure at top.

Fig. 275.--Small iron knife or bill-hook; the edge on the convex side; with brass handle terminating in a pommel representing a human hand.

Fig. 276.--Bronze ægis. Two interlaced mud-fish. This perhaps shows the origin of the oval hole sometimes found on some of the objects, see Fig. 141, Plate XXIII, and Fig. 158, Plate XXV. This ægis has a broad leaf-shaped sword incised on the back of it, as shown in the annexed woodcut. These engravings are peculiar, and seem to denote a badge or mark, perhaps of ownership of some kind. The ægis is edged with eyelets, probably for suspending crotals, similar to Fig. 112, Plate XIX, and Figs. 126 and 127, Plate XXI.

Figs. 277 and 278.--Head carved in hard wood. The coral choker, the band round the head-dress, the feather on left side and the base are entirely covered with thin brass or bronze. Apparently intended to represent a cast metal head. Whether this is the case, or whether it is earlier than the introduction of metal casting, it is difficult to say. The face only and the top of the head-dress are left uncovered with metal. The top of the head-dress represents a reticulated head-dress of agate, like No. 121. The pupils of the eyes and the three tribal marks over each eye are of darker wood let in. There is a bronze band of metal along the forehead and nose. A ring of bronze-headed nails surrounds each eye. There is a broad hanging band on each side of the face, covered with thin metal and surmounted by a conical ornament. The metal is fastened on to the wood with oblong rivets. The face is extremely rudely carved. Round the base is a band of peculiar ornament in repoussé work, which is either intended for a floral ornament or a broken guilloche pattern, like that on the blades of the wands and elsewhere. There is a vertical hole through the back of the head, which is not large enough to contain a tusk.

Figs. 279 and 280.--Bronze rod, pointed below; perhaps the head of a staff intended to fit on to a wooden stem. Ornamented with a human figure sitting at top, with a human-headed staff in right hand, and a neolithic celt, edge up, in left hand. Coral choker and head-dress with serpents hanging head downwards, and a band of straight line diaper pattern. Three tribal marks over each eye. Band of guilloche pattern on skirt-rings for pendants (? crotals). Below, in a separate division, is a nude human figure kneeling and holding something in front in both hands. At sides sinuous serpents with the heads down, and crocodiles or lizards. Below again a sinuous serpent, head upwards. The whole very rudely cast.

DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XXXVII.

Figs. 281 and 282.--Bronze square bell, the ornamentation tastefully designed, with a human head, crocodiles, and floral ornaments. The clapper is in the form of a sinuous snake, head downwards.

Fig. 283.--Ivory armlet, very rudely carved in human figures, crocodiles, serpents, &c.

Figs. 284 and 285.--Brass or bronze sword, the pommel in the form of a twisted ring, as so frequently shown on the plaques, see Figs. 4, 113, 179, 255, etc. The blade is of unusual form, very broad, and rounded at the end.

Figs. 286 to 288.--Bronze plaque, representing a figure standing and holding in his left hand a staff with an eagle on the top. A staff with a bird on the top is represented in one of the figures of No. 139.

DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XXXVIII.

Fig. 289.--Bronze plaque, representing a human head with straight combed hair. Aquiline nose, moustache and beard; not of negro type. The ground ornamented with the usual leaf ornament.

Fig. 290.--Bronze plaque, with pendant fruit ribbed. Raised rosettes and the usual leaf ornament on field incised.

Fig. 291.--Bronze or brass plaque. Figure, full length; an unknown implement upheld in right hand, and an execution sword held horizontally in left hand. Three tribal marks over each eye. The dress ornamented with human heads, half-moons, and floral ornaments incised. Ground ornamented with the usual leaf-shaped ornament.

Fig. 292.--Bronze ægis. A female with pointed head-dress, and coral choker, badge of rank; striking a sistrum with a rod. It is repaired with lead.

Figs. 293 and 294.--Bronze statuette, representing a negro figure holding a so-called key in the left hand. The figure has three tribal marks over each eye, and three radiating lines branching from the corners of the mouth. The pupils of the eyes are inlaid with iron. A cross on the breast hanging from the neck by a cord. No coral choker, but a necklace perhaps of coral or agate. A pot hat with a narrow straight brim. This figure exactly resembles No. 90. The ears are very rudely formed. No hair is shown. The face is very prognathous and the nose broad and flat, not aquiline. The skirt is only slightly hooked up.

DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XXXIX.

Fig. 295.--Bronze plaque, head of horse, very much elongated. For the elongation of a horse's head, see the figure of horse and rider in Figs. 299 and 300.

Figs. 296 and 297.--Bronze plaque, representing a cow's head, of natural form and proportions, with a rope bound round the horns.

Fig. 298.--Bronze plaque. A sinuous serpent, head downwards. Ground ornamented with the usual foil ornament incised.

Figs. 299 and 300.--Bronze man on horseback, holding a shield, with barbed javelins, points downwards, on right arm. A band of crotals hung over right shoulder. Sword on right side with European scabbard. The dress is peculiar and formed with lappets on front and back. The horse and rider are very attenuated and rudely executed. The horse tucked up like a greyhound, with head very long, like Fig. 295. Band with crotals round the horse's neck. Large flaws in the casting of both horse and rider.

DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XL.

Fig. 301.--Bronze cock, the feathers represented by herring-bone pattern.

Figs. 302 and 303.--Elephant's tusk formed as a trumpet. The mouthpiece on the convex side; with rattle. The loose pieces of the rattle carved out of the solid, through the oblong apertures. Ornamented with three bands of guilloche pattern; straight line diaper pattern, and degenerate mud-fish interlaced, in two places.

Figs. 304 and 305.--Portion of an iron staff, ornamented with bands of bronze, on which are figured human faces, leopards' heads and bands of looped strands, similar to those on Figs. 139 and 140, Plate XXIII.

Fig. 306.--Thin brass head ornament for horse, and a broad band to go along the top of the head and mane. The figure on the lower part represents a crocodile, head downwards, ornamented with rows of copper rivets. The band for the head is ornamented with a floral ornament (floral guilloche) consisting of a sinuous stem with a leaf branching out of each curve, similar to that shown on Figs. 209, 238 and 278. The whole of the ornamentation is in repoussé work, and is probably intended to be attached to leather.

Figs. 307 and 308.--Lower portion of an iron staff, surrounded by bands of brass, ornamented with leopards' heads, frogs, looped strands and guilloche pattern.

Fig. 309.--Square brass lamp, with four receptacles for wicks, one at each corner. Ornamented with dots of repoussé work, and suspended by an iron chain with long links and a hook.

Figs. 310 to 313.--Bronze lamp, apparently with gold in its composition. The basin patched and riveted with copper. The bands for suspension ornamented with straight line diaper pattern (Fig. 312) and broken guilloche pattern (Fig. 313), united at top in a human figure (Fig. 311), having the private parts strongly pronounced. There are only one or two objects in this collection in which this peculiarity occurs, which is so prevalent in the art of most savages.

DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XLI.

Figs. 314 to 316.--Wooden stool, the top slightly basin-shaped; the stem carved to represent two interlaced serpents, but the interlacing is not continuous, being broken by a square hole pierced through the centre of the shaft. The heads of the serpents are conventional and they bend towards the top and bottom on alternate sides. The tails of the serpents terminate in the mouths of two frogs carved on the base and underside of the top of the seat. A human figure is in the mouth of the serpent resting on the base, holding a bill-hook in his left hand, similar to Figs. 108 and 109, Plate XVIII. On the underside of the seat, the serpent holds a leopard in its mouth; leopard holding a palm branch in its mouth. The other figures carved on the base and underside of the top are two degenerate mud-fish and two degenerate elephants' heads, the proboscis terminating in a human hand, like Figs. 72 and 167. The seat is ornamented with an interlaced guilloche pattern surrounding the top edge of the seat.

Fig. 317.--Wooden plaque, ornamented in the centre by a coil of interlaced strap-work, bounded by two lines of zigzag pattern. On one side a broad leaf-shaped sword with a ring pommel, similar to Figs. 326 and 327, Plate XLII, and Figs. 328 and 329, Plate XLIII. The handle is ornamented with a straight line diaper pattern. On the other side is represented an execution sword, similar to Fig. 110, Plate XVIII.

Figs. 318 and 319.--Wooden seat, of oblong form, supported by four legs, with cross-braces. All the ornamental portions are plated with thin brass, beaten on and riveted. The top of the seat is ornamented in the centre and ends by bands of single and double guilloche pattern, and in the centre of the squares by a square pattern of interlaced strands riveted on, similar to that represented on the blade of the sword, Fig. 199, Plate XXVIII. The legs and sides of the seat are ornamented by wheel-shaped forms, in eight places, and half-moons, similar to those on the ground-work of the plaque, Fig. 180, Plate XXVII. The stool in various parts is ornamented by brass-headed nails, which might perhaps be European.

DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XLII.

Figs. 320 and 321.--Wooden bird resembling a turkey. The inlaying of the eyes has disappeared; the feathers are conventionally represented by carved squares and lines of herring-bone pattern. On the top is a rudely-cut vertical projection 5 inches high and 2-1/2 inches broad, the meaning of which is unknown; and from it hangs on each side of the bird, a broad band 3-1/2 inches broad, carved with four rows of herring-bone pattern, the meaning of which is also unknown. The front of the base is ornamented with a guilloche pattern of four strands.

Fig. 322.--Circular brass fan, thickness of metal, .02 inch; ornamented with bands of guilloche pattern, herring-bone, and straight line diaper patterns. The handle is riveted to the fan.

Fig. 323.--Fan of hide. The sewing of leather resembles that of the brass fan, Fig. 322, Plate XLII.

Figs. 324 and 325.--Bronze group of three human figures, the front figure kneeling, the hands in an attitude of prayer. The upper part naked, the lower part covered by a pleated kilt or skirt, similar to Figs. 129, 235, 236, and 247. The corners of the eyes ornamented with a raised barbed figure. A belt of two ropes round the waist with two loops behind, in one of which hang two links of a chain. This figure is attended behind by two short figures standing and armed with swords in sheaths. Coral necklaces and anklets. Three tribal marks incised over each eye. On the ground are three decapitated human heads, face upwards, and a dog. The base is ornamented with coiled figures.

Figs. 326 and 327.--Broad leaf-shaped iron sword, similar to Figs. 328 and 329, Plate XLIII. The handle enclosed in a large ring of metal, 7 inches in diameter. The blade, which is .08 inch in thickness, is perforated by a pattern of holes.

DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XLIII.

Figs. 328 and 329.--Broad leaf-shaped iron sword, similar to Figs. 326 and 327, Plate XLII. The handle enclosed in a large ring of metal, 8 inches by 5-1/2 inches interior measurement, twisted in two places. It has probably had a grip of wood, which has disappeared. The blade, which is only ·06 inch in thickness, is ornamented with a pattern of perforated holes. The use of this instrument is unknown; it may have been an execution sword, but, if so, the ring-guard appears superfluous.

Fig. 330.--Iron staff, similar to the bronze one, Figs. 354 and 355, Plate XLV. In the cluster at the top is the figure of a bird surmounting an animal, probably a chameleon, similar to the one half-way down the stem, and surrounded by a cluster of various implements and weapons, points upwards, amongst which may be distinguished a fork with diamond-shaped heads, a curved bill-hook, a chisel, a spud and a reaping-hook. Below this are two clusters each of six hanging bells; two sinuous snakes, heads upwards, are crawling up the stem.

Figs. 331 and 332.--Carved wooden board, 10-1/2 feet in length and 1 foot 11 inches broad; from a house in Benin city. It is ornamented with five panels in relief. Each panel has a circle with radiating lines, bounded by lines of guilloche pattern. The several panels are separated by broad bands of interlaced strap-work, deeply carved. The interlaced strap-work varies in design, some being simply plaited, and in others it is further complicated with twists and returns. Some have two interlaced bands, others four. The carving is irregular and traced by the eye without measure or T-square. Long sinuous snakes with heads are represented in the smaller lines dividing the panels and give the effect of a meander. The whole of the carving has originally been covered with thin plates of brass or bronze beaten on, traces of which are seen here and there fastened on with oblong rivets of metal.

Figs. 333 to 335.--Round execution block and stand of wood, elaborately carved with figures of men and animals. On the top is a pointed spike of wood, 5 inches in height, on which the head of the victim appears to have rested, and below this on the surface at the top of the block are two receptacles for the thumbs of the victim, in the form of coiled mud-fish. The ornamentation on the top consists of squares and triangles filled with parallel straight lines alternating in direction, and edged with a circle of broken guilloche pattern. On the sides are three human figures, two of which are holding hands upwards, weapons and shields, and one a curved sword of European form, point downwards. Between these figures are two boxes or stools; there are also two human hands and other objects on the other side. The bottom of the block is surrounded by a broad guilloche pattern of four or five strands. The stand on which the block stands is of semicircular form. The top is ornamented with two animals, resembling crocodiles, conforming to the outline of the curve, and other animals and objects. On the front of this stand is a row of objects, consisting, in the centre, of a human figure holding something on the abdomen, human hands, animals' heads, and other objects. A very similar execution block, but without stand, is shown in Figs. 258 to 260, Plate XXXIV. The barbarous carving and ornamentation of such gruesome objects is quite characteristic of Benin art.

DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XLIV.

Fig. 336.--Wooden casket in the form of an ox's head, coated with thin brass riveted on. From the forehead two human hands rise up holding the horns. Along the forehead and along the sides are three lines of single guilloche pattern in repoussé work. The pupils of the eyes are inlaid with a dark substance. It appears to be a box or casket of some kind. A similar box is shown in the hands of the small figure in plaque No. 18, Plate IV. A precisely similar object from Benin is figured by Mr. Ling Roth in "The Studio," December, 1898, Fig. 18; and there is also another similar in the British Museum, figured in "Antiquities from Benin in the British Museum," Plate XI, Fig. 9.

Fig. 337.--Half of a bronze circlet or necklet, similar to Fig. 158, Plate XXV; ornamented with two human forms with attenuated bodies and conventional heads, consisting of circles with five circular punch-marks to represent the features, and two other similar heads without bodies. The arms of these two figures are bound together at the wrists. At the feet of these two extended figures are two human heads of negro type, very well executed, and a leopard's head. It is ornamented in other places by a broad leaf-shaped sword and spirals. This remarkable work of savage art is shown in greater detail in the annexed woodcut.

Fig. 338.--Bronze sword, perhaps an execution sword, but rather too small for that purpose; with wooden grip and pommel. The blade is ornamented on both sides with incised semicircles and curved lines. The cutting edge is on the convex side.

Fig. 339.--Bronze sword, perhaps an execution sword, but rather too small for that purpose; ornamented with incised semicircles, like Fig. 338, and chevrons filled with parallel incised lines. The grip ornamented with parallel incised bands in imitation of binding. The blade is also ornamented with peculiar incised scrolls and circular punch-marks, and diamond forms.

Fig. 340.--Bronze pin, ornamented with four conventionalized birds. Inlaid in various places with red agate, and ornamented with circular punch-marks.

Fig. 341.--Bronze bell or sistrum, with small bell attached; both ornamented with an incised lozenge-shaped pattern. A similar double bell, from Yoruba, is figured by Mr. Ling Roth in "The Reliquary," 1898, p. 165.

Fig. 342.--Bronze figure of boy, with the palms of the hands erect and open, as if denying having stolen anything. Serpent, head downwards, on forehead. Three incised tribal marks over each eye. Coral necklace.

Figs. 343 and 344.--Human mask, of bronze. The pupils of the eyes inlaid with iron.

Fig. 345.--Bronze leopard, tail deficient; total height, 15-1/4 inches. One of the hind legs broken off and repaired by natives with a piece of ivory. The leopard is covered with incised spots and small punch-marks all over. The pupils of the eyes are inlaid with iron.

DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XLV.

Fig. 346.--Quadrangular bronze bell, ornamented with mud-fish and a human head in relief. It is reticulated on all sides and could have emitted no sound.

Fig. 347.--Quadrangular bronze bell, ornamented on one side by a degenerate human face in relief. The ornamentation tastefully designed.

Fig. 348.--Bronze cock, somewhat similar to Fig. 301, Plate XL.

Fig. 349.--Brass armlet, made from one piece of thin metal, joined by copper rivets. Ornamented by three naked human figures in relief, and bands of interlaced rings.

Figs. 350 and 351.--Bronze trumpet, slightly curved, the mouth-hole on the convex side, similar in form to the ivory trumpets, Figs. 178, 192 and 193. Projecting blades, like celts, on the large end, as in the sistrum in Figs. 232 to 234, Plate XXXI. A somewhat similar instrument is figured by Mr. Ling Roth in the "Halifax Naturalist," June, 1898, p. 32. Above these blades is a human head in relief, surmounted by a circular ring held in the mouth of a crocodile, head downwards. Other parts are ornamented by sinuous snakes in relief. It appears to have been used both as trumpet and axe.

Figs. 352 and 353.--Bronze staff, probably intended to be held in the middle. Ornamented at both ends with human figures back to back. The stem ornamented with loops as in Figs. 208 and 209, Plate XXIX.

Figs. 354 and 355.--Bronze staff, 4 feet 10-1/2 inches in length; ornamented at top with the figure of a bird with a small ball in its mouth, and apparently surmounting a leopard. Around it are ten leaf-shaped flanges ornamented with sinuous serpents, holding birds and crocodiles in their mouths. Below this is a human figure standing with very large hands, apparently clasped, and thumbs projecting upwards, out of all proportion to the size of the body; on the shoulders of this figure are two sinuous snakes. Below this are figures representing a monkey and a bull. The central figure is nude and kneeling with a cock in its hands, resting on a cluster of hanging bells. The lower part, which is broken and detached from the upper part, represents a human figure; in his left hand a large neolithic celt, and in his right hand a human-headed staff, similar in design to Figs. 279 and 280, Plate XXXVI. Below and in front of this figure are smaller figures, representing a human figure with a neolithic celt in the right hand and a spotted leopard, with tail curled over head, on the left. Rising from the head of the larger figure is an antelope, with two snakes springing out of its mouth, surrounded by representations of various weapons, points upwards. The whole appears to be constructed of bronze, surrounding an iron stem.

DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XLVI.

Figs. 356 and 357.--Bronze staff, surmounted by a vulture holding something in its beak, as in Figs. 286 to 288, Plate XXXVII; Fig. 271, Plate XXXV, and Figs. 354 and 355, Plate XLV. In Fig. 139, Plate XXIII, and in "Antiquities from Benin in the British Museum," Plate XXIX, Fig. 3, figures are shown holding these staves and striking them with rods.

Figs. 358 and 359.--Bronze seated figure, apparently of an European. The dress has large buttons on one side. The hat, with brim, is ornamented with chevrons filled with parallel straight lines; the moustache very long; the nose aquiline and very large; the shoulders guarded by "wings." Left hand and forearm broken.

Fig. 360.--Bronze or brass plaque, representing a figure standing to front, holding a piece of ring-money (Manilla) in right hand, similar to Plate XXI, Fig. 6, "Antiquities from Benin in the British Museum," where their use and form are discussed (p. 27). The dress has a single row of buttons, somewhat similar to Fig. 247, Plate XXXII, where however the coat is fastened with tags; the left hand is similarly spread upon the chest. The face is prognathous, but with hooked nose. The hat appears to be an European chimney-pot hat. Other cases of a pleated kilt occur in Figs. 129, 235, 236, 247, 324, 325, and 361.

Fig. 361.--Bronze plaque, representing a figure, seated, holding apparently a hand-cannon in both hands, the butt of which is curved down. The dress has buttons on one side, as in the previous figure, and is surmounted by a vandyke ornamented collar of European type. Belt and pleated kilt. Face, apparently European, aquiline nose. European helmet. European sword with guard on right side.

Fig. 362.--Iron axe, in carved wooden handle and shaft; with six wooden human faces, the pupils of the eyes inlaid with lead.

Figs. 363 and 364.--Iron hammer.

Figs. 365 and 366.--Small human head in earthenware, being the only one of that material in this collection. The pupils of the eyes are inlaid with iron; two iron bands on the forehead, of which the traces have nearly disappeared. Hole in top of head like those of bronze. Coral choker. The features are well formed.

Figs. 367 and 368.--Antelope's head, in bronze, with horns and ears.

DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XLVII.

Figs. 369 to 371.--Bronze plaque, representing a sacrificial scene; it contains eight human figures, and a bullock just in the act of being slaughtered. All the figures except one have native features, dress, etc., and wear the insignia of executioners. The remaining figure is evidently intended to represent a European.

Figs. 372 and 373.--A carved ivory box in the form of a mud or cat fish. The eyes are inlaid with lead.

DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XLVIII.

Figs. 374 and 375.--Bronze statuette of a musician in the act of playing a wind instrument. He wears a pot hat, a collar, and loose necklet hanging down over the chest, also armlets and wristlets. He wears a decorated loin cloth, with a border representing a row of feathers, and in the centre of the garment is a conventional leopard's face. Height of statuette is 24-1/2 inches.

Figs. 376 and 377.--Modern Benin sword; the blade is iron and decorated with incised birds and a nondescript animal. There are seven brass rivets hammered into the blade. The handle is covered with leather. Length of blade, 17-3/4 inches.

Figs. 378 and 379.--Is a copper weapon which has had a wooden shaft. This weapon is of too soft a metal to be of much use.

Figs. 380 and 381.--An iron weapon of an old make. The blade is decorated with an incised figure of a snake. Length of blade, 21-1/8 inches.

DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XLIX.

Figs. 382 and 383.--Cubical metal lamp, with handle, chain and hook for suspension. The hook is ornamented at its lower half with raised transverse incised lines and lozenge-shaped incisions. It is attached to a chain of three links, the upper and lower ones being oval; the middle one is 8-shaped. The other end of the chain is attached to a loop which projects from the head of a nude human figure (length of figure is 2-1/2 inches), the feet of which are fixed by a loop of copper wire to the handle of the bar; the handle has a zigzag guilloche pattern on the upper side. There is a human face in relief on the sides of the body of the lamp, with fish-scale pattern on the groundwork. The borders of the lamp are raised rope pattern, and have a double loop knot at each corner. The lamp has four legs, and from the centre of the bottom is a small round piece projecting, and not so long as the legs. It is capped with a circular bottom, which is decorated with incised concentric circles. Height from top of hook when suspended is 26 inches.

Fig. 384.--Metal armlet, ornamented with five rows of inlaid copper conventionalized cat-fishes and human faces; the latter have long hair, long whiskers, and long noses. Height, 5-7/8 inches.

Fig. 385.--Metal box, cylindrical in form, ornamented with three longitudinal rows of ox skulls in relief, and incised human faces. Height, 7 inches.

Fig. 386.--Wooden comb, with carved design.

Fig. 387.--Cast metal bowl. The small opening at the top is situated in the centre of an incised rosette; this, together with four similar but smaller rosettes, are coated with a copper wash. On the base is a rosette within a circle.

Fig. 388.--Cast metal bowl. Distributed over the body of the bowl are eleven finely executed Maltese crosses.

Fig. 389.--Quadrangular bronze bell, ornamented on three sides with open reticulated work, framed in by a border of the guilloche pattern. A conventional face, with long hair and beard, is on one of the reticulated sides. Near the base of the ornamented side is a small roughly circular hole. Height, 6 inches.

DESCRIPTION OF PLATE L.

Figs. 390 and 391.--Large metal bell. On one side is a human face in relief, with snakes issuing from the nostrils. Each of the two snakes grasps a mud or cat fish in its jaws. The ears project from the sides of the head-dress, and the neck has a frill consisting of a double row of perforated circles. The handle has an incised herring-bone ornamentation. Projecting from the sides of the bell are eight knobs. The base and crown of the bell have a border of strap-work pattern. Height of bell, 10 inches.

Figs. 392 and 393.--Carved wooden head, which may have been a mask. Represents the head of a negro; it is hollow, and may have been intended for a mask, as there are open slits underneath each eye. The hair is represented by incised reticulated lines. The three black lines over the eyes represent cicatrices. The lower part of the face is rounded, and the chin not marked. Height, 13 inches.

* * * * *

Transcriber's note:

There is no figure 136 in the printed book, and the "annexed woodcut" referred to in the description of fig. 337 was not included. The figures in "Figs. 265,6, Plate 35" on p. 46 were hand-written.

The following apparent errors have been corrected:

p. 56 "Figs 192 and 193." changed to "Figs 192 and 193."

p. 65 "Fig. 181 Plate XXVII" changed to "Fig. 181, Plate XXVII"

p. 65 "Vol I" changed to "Vol. I"

p. 70 "elephants's" changed to "elephant's"

p. 74 "Fig. 282." changed to "Figs. 281 and 282."

p. 94 "Figs 372 and 373" changed to "Figs. 372 and 373"

p. 98 "Fig 385." changed to "Fig. 385."

The following possible errors have not been changed:

p. iv conquerers

p. 32 tattoed

p. 42 rivetted

The following are used inconsistently in the text:

a European and an European

cat fish and cat-fish

ground-work and groundwork

Juju and Ju-ju

mouthpiece and mouth-piece

mudfish and mud-fish

semicircles and semi-circles