Fig. 121.--Head-dress composed entirely of agate. It serves to explain
the construction of the head-dresses on the bronze plaques and figures,
showing how the reticulated effect on the plaques is formed by beads
of agate strung together in a kind of network. The rosettes of agate,
and the tags and pendants are also explained by this figure. See Figs.
2, 4, 43, 44, 82, 83, 86, 87, 94, 95, 96, 97, 100, 101, 119, 120, 124,
125, 126, 127, 232-234, 277, 278, &c.
Figs. 122 and 123.--Circular brass box, ornamented on the top with a
central figure in repoussé work, holding two crocodiles upright in each
hand. The legs terminate in a band turned up on each side as shown
in other designs in Benin art. There are also circular heads having
tribal marks over the eyes. Rosettes, guilloche and fish-scale patterns
are also represented in repoussé. The pieces of the box are rivetted
together with bands of copper. This appears to be the kind of box
represented in the hands of one of the smaller figures in the plaque,
Fig. 179, Plate XXVII. The latter, however, is taller. These objects
have been described by Mr. C. Read as drums in his paper in the "Journ.
Anthrop. Inst.," Vol. XXVII, Plate XVIII, Fig. 4. Viewed as a drum, the
projecting flanges at top and bottom are not explained.
Figs. 124 and 125.--Human mask of brass; the pupils of the eyes inlaid
with iron. Reticulated head-dress, with rosettes probably of agate.
Three tribal marks over each eye. Rows of semi-circles filled with
semi-circles round neck. The features are rounded, and, although a good
deal tooled, are less flattened by filing than some of these masks.
This is a good specimen of Benin art.
Figs. 126 and 127.--Human mask of brass; the pupils of the eyes inlaid
with iron. Reticulated head-dress, with rosettes probably of agate.
Coral band above the forehead. Three tribal marks over each eye. Ears
badly formed. Coral choker, badge of rank. Guilloche pattern, with
pellets round neck. The face is very much tooled and filed, and the
lips and nose flattened by filing. Crotals have probably been suspended
from the eyelets below, as indicated by the eight links of chains left
remaining (see Plate XIX, Fig. 112).