Description
Unlike the copper alloy heads cast for Oba and Iyoba ancestors, terracotta heads (uhunmwun elao) are created to commemorate deceased, brass-casters of the Edo kingdom.
After the death of a caster, a large altar (a semi-circular mud platform onto which altar objects are placed) is created upon which the uhunmwun elao sits (along with a number of other objects and sculptures). The altar serves as a shrine and a point of communication with the deceased. The ancestor is respected through offerings made to the shrine.
Distinguishing Features
- Made of terracotta
- Similar to type 1 Oba heads:
- Naturalistic
- Rounded cheeks (but not swollen)
- Eyes are pointed ovals
- Eyes thickly outlined
- Small compared to other Benin heads
- Tight fitting bead collar, that in most cases, does not cover the chin
- Tightly fitting beaded cap
