Owner: HWMC
Catalog#: AF-IDST-030-14
Source: P. Girshick Ben-Amos, The Art of Benin (London, The British Museum Press, 1995)
Bells, Metal
Edo Helmet Mask Bell
Court of Benin, Nigeria
Edo
Bronze
Mid-20th century
Height: 42.5cm / Length: 15cm / Width: 15cm
Idiophone – Struck Directly
Edo people bronze bell in shape of a helmet mask, with janus spirit image on top. These brass helmet masks were made for the Ododua ritual. This rare bronze ritual helmet mask bell showing teeth clinched, addresses the spiritual power of the king.