This statue is an amazing piece of artwork that portrays a hornblower that was produced in the kingdom of Benin in Nigeria.
Hornblowers formed part of the entourage of the Oba (King) of Benin and acted as heralds announcing his presence at royal ceremonies. They typically used side-blown horns made of ivory.
In the late 16th century, brass sculptures of hornblowers were placed on the altars in the royal court at Benin to honor an Oba’s ancestors.
The hornblower wears a woven hat, leopard’s tooth necklet, and kilt with a side bustle to the left and stands in the foursquare position, characteristic of most Benin sculptures. The martial implications of his dress suggest that this is part of the military Isiokuo ceremony, where a mock battle was performed in commemoration of the god of war, Ogun.
We are privileged to have this magnificent sculpture at Amba Gallery. Visit us now at Kempinski Hotel for more rich African culture!!
