Commemorative Queen Mother Head Unique bronze cast Edo Queens head. It commemorates Queen Idia, the mother of Oba Esigie, who reigned between 1504 and 1550. She earned her own palace as a reward for utilizing her mystical powers to secure victory in Benin’s war against the Igala people. The bronze head showcases a naturalistic, almost life-size portrayal of Queen Idia with an elegant conical hairstyle adorned with an intricate openwork coral bead net. Long strands of coral beads drape gracefully at the sides and back, while she wears a high coral bead collar. Notably, there are two vertical marks on her forehead originally inset withron and four scarification marks above each eye. The pupils are beautifully inlaid with iron. Overall, this exceptional sculpture captures the regal essence of Queen Idia, commemorating her pivotal role in Benin’s history and her remarkable accomplishments during her son’s reign.

Omorogbe, Aigbe. Queen Idia, Bronze-cast(lost-wax), Private collection, Benin