Queen Mother Pendant Mask Iyoa Analysis

The object chosen to analyze from the Metropolitan Museum of Art is the Queen Mother Pendant Mask: Iyoba. It was created in the 16th century in Nigeria at the Court of Benin and is classified as a bone/ivory-sculpture.The culture involved is the Edo peoples. The medium used is ivory, iron, copper with dimensions H. 9 3/8 x W. 5 x D. 3 1/4 in. (23.8 x 12.7 x 8.3 cm). The accession Number is 1978.412.323. In simplistic terms the piece chosen is an ivory pendant depicting the image of the Queen Mother also known as an Iyoba.
The piece has been kept up well besides the minor deterioration. There are no drastic signs of damage or mistreatment. The bottom crown is broken in half on the left side and the left eye is missing the pupil. Asides from minor crack throughout the entire face it looks smooth.The piece is realistic
The royal power is “inherent in a mother-son ‘royal duo’”3. “The monarchy itself involves not simply a King but rather a royal couple-the King and his mother”3. The mother is praised just as much as the King. She is given the same respect and has important duties similar to the King. The importance of the Queen mother is shown through the pendant since the King would keep it on his belt. In African society the mother of a King has more obligations than the mother in western culture. In Europe the mother of the king “has no clear-cut constitutionally delineated functions to perform in state politics.”3, they are just a figurehead. However in Africa the queen mother there roles are “ distinct” and necessary. A queen mother being titled “do not perform their duties publically as their male counterparts , but carry them out secretly in the palace”3. A king can not proceed with his succession unless there's an “installation of a King and his mother”3. The role of the mother is so important that her role has to be filled unless no one can take the