Fig. 142.--Bronze open-mouthed vessel, with six projecting eyelets
round the neck, and a handle.
Figs. 143 and 144.--Bronze or brass figure of cock, 22 inches high,
including pedestal. The feathers are represented in straight and
curved lines of hatchings. The pupils of the eyes are inlaid copper,
of lozenge-shaped form. The tarsus is unnaturally broad. On the top of
the pedestal in front is a Maltese cross, with a band of interlaced
strap-work. The sides of the base are ornamented with interlaced
strap-work, and representations of three ox's heads are on the front. A
fine specimen of barbaric art.
Figs. 145 and 146.--Human naked figure of bronze. A large thick plaster
covers the whole of the back, and is fastened on with cords round the
arms and legs. Mr. H. Ling Roth believes this to represent a cure for
cretinism, and says that two larger figures like it have been seen in
Benin city. ("Reliquary," Vol. IV, 1898, p. 173.)
Figs. 147 and 148.--Two bronze female figures back to back, with one
hat, being the handle of one of the swords or wands (see Figs. 202 to
211, Plate XXIX), used by virgins in their dances. There is a large
iron pin right through the casting.
Figs. 149 and 150.--Bronze head of girl. Three tribal marks incised
over each eye; pupils of eyes of iron, inlaid; necklace of agate or
coral.
Figs. 151 and 152.--Brass vessel, resembling a coffee pot. A human
figure sitting in front, out of the mouth of which the spout emerges.
The handle at back represents a sinuous snake with the head downwards,
like that of Fig. 46, Plate VIII. Bands of fish-scale pattern surround
the vessel.