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Brass Head Analysis

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Brass Head Analysis
A close examination of the formal qualities of the brass altar head of the oba of Benin was quite exciting. The brass head was chosen for analysis due to its rich historic and cultural affluence civilization it depicts.Dating back to the 16th century,it is amazing that a quality work of art as the altar head has been in existence since in the interior of west Africa ,telling a story of civilization,cultural heritage and finesse obtainable as at then, thus making me analyse it to discover other aspects of work, besides the aesthetics.
The object for analysis is a sculpture made from brass. A defined art piece from the old benin kingdom,Edo in Nigeria.Standing at 20 *19*22 cm on a circular base,the oval representation of the eyes,made pronounced by the thick arc to emphasise the eye lids cannot escape being noticed as African.The way the eyes were shaped,though lifeless could make one feel the eyes were watching despite the crowd around.This called for a closer examination of the artefact. The circle etched at the center of each oval shaped eyes gave the eyes a solid representation.The eye lids that terminates at the meeting corners of each eye are neatly chiselled out. …show more content…
The high cheeks rises from the bevelled center of the eyes spreading out and rounding up in systemic bypass of the mouth to the chin. The upper and lower lips are well positioned with a slight parting. The parting of the lips gives an impression of ready to speak posture which is perceived as a continuous quest of a ready to speak
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