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Edo
Benin Kingdom, Nigeria
Arm Cuff with Brass Inlay, 18th century (?)
Ivory and brass
13.2 x 9 cm (5 3/16 x 3 1/2 in.)
The National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Nigeria, 48.28.1
When wearing elaborate coral regalia, the oba covers his wrists with matching ivory cuffs. This example is the result of a partnership between ivory carvers and brass casters, who further ornamented the cuffs with inlaid brass. This cuff features a tightly composed pattern of interlocking eben swords and Portuguese faces.