In FAZ: Africa’s world heritage becomes private property: The outgoing Nigerian president has transferred all Benin bronzes to the royal family in Benin City. Now it becomes clear how misguided the hasty restitution by German museums was. A guest article.
Also called ” bird of prophecy”-staff Africa | Brass Staff with bird figure. Edo people, Benin Kingdom. The bird perched with outstretched wings on the finials of this idiophone sounded on the occasions of Ugie Oro court festivals is usually called the “bird of prophecy” (ahianmwen-oro) https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/316559 Bird staffs serve as hand-held clappers during court rituals. They are played by striking the bird’s beak with a metal rod. These staffs symbolize the power of the king over natural and supernatural… Read More »A Benin” Lovebird Masterpiece for Valentine’s Day ?