Fig. 128.--Armlet entirely of brass, without other metal. Ornamented
with four upright figures and four horizontal heads. The upright
figures have their forearms elevated. The legs are very attenuated
and the skirt of the dress very pronounced. Eyebrows extremely
prominent, and the head-dress of peculiar form and conical. The armlet
is surmounted by raised bands, which pass over the figures, and are
separated by pierced work. Broad rims are shown at top and bottom, and
are edged with herring-bone pattern.
Fig. 129.--Bronze plaque, representing human figure with beard, riding
to right; a ranseur of the sixteenth or seventeenth century in right
hand, point downwards. Hair combed out straight. No tribal marks.
Bodice fastened with buttons. Pleated kilt like Figs. 235 and 236,
Plate XXXI, and Fig. 247, Plate XXXII. Twisted or plaited bridle of
some limp substance in left hand. Bell and crotals on horse's neck.
Leopards in relief behind figure of horse. Ground ornamented with
trefoil leaves and punch-marks. This figure does not appear to be
negro. The horse appears to be galloping, which is not the usual Benin
method of locomotion.
Fig. 130.--Bronze plaque, representing two warriors with long, narrow,
leaf-shaped swords upheld in right hands. Peculiar head-dress, a broad
band on the frontal. Hair parted in the middle and hanging down behind.
One figure has a beard. Both have objects resembling bows slung upon
left arm. Leopards' teeth necklaces and quadrangular bells hanging from
necks. Ground ornamented with leaf-shaped foil ornaments incised.
Fig. 131.--Bronze plaque, representing five figures; central figure
holding a staff of unusual form in right hand; coral choker; oval
head-dress; small bells attached to straps hanging down from girdle;
anklets and armlets, the former adorned with crotals; left hand on
handle of sword in scabbard on left side. Small figures on each side
with javelins, the points in a sheath. The larger attendants on each
side holding shields over the central figure, as described by De Bry
in the seventeenth century. All the attendants have a bag on right
side, strapped over shoulder. One of the smaller attendants has a broad
leaf-shaped sword upheld in right hand, holding it by the ring attached
to the pommel.