Antique African Benin Kingdom Oba Horseman Bronze Horse & Rider Statue, Nigeria

Description

This is a very rare large antique African Benin Kingdom tribal lost wax casting of a bronze horse with Oba (translated as the king / ruler) rider which comes from the
Benin kingdom in what is now Nigeria, Africa. This is a Benin bronze casting which stated more accurately is a mixture of brass, bronze, and sometimes copper. This amazing Benin Oba on horseback is a major African museum quality art piece which measures 42 inches high by 24 inches long by 11 inches wide. Great antique tribally made and used condition with some wear consistent with this pieces age. Tribal repair to the spear which is also a tad bent and one leg has been rebuilt by tribal metalworkers who repaired the leg and stirrup. The chain rein on one side is missing and there is some casting flaw to the base which is decorated with a motif that signifies long life.
The Benin Kingdom was strong throughout the 15th and 16th Centuries and was located in West Africa bordering what is now Nigeria and Togo. Benin Clans were ruled by a King which was known as the Oba and who was the divine ruler of the Benin people. The people of Benin are called Bini and are descended from the Ife peoples. The making of these Benin bronzes were strictly considered court art and were made exclusively for the palace of the Oba and were designed to venerate the achievements and memories of the Obas and their Queens also called Iyobas or Queen Mothers who ruled throughout the time of the kingdom. The metalsmiths were very talented and used complex wax casting techniques which were far ahead of their time. Their work in bronze, copper and iron was extremely refined and their methods of metal smelting, forging and lost wax methods exceeded any seen in Europe until the 19th century. Lost-wax casting sometimes called by the French name of cire perdue (from the Latin cera perduta) is the process by which a brass or bronze sculpture is cast from an artist's carving usually made from wax. Very intricate works can be achieved with this method, depending on the carver's skills.
This Benin antique sculpture would be a perfect rare amazing addition to any African art collection. I have had this piece in my personal collection for twelve years.
Please note that this African statue is not only very large but is heavy and would need to be crated professionally therefore it would be expensive to ship. Seriously interested collectors may contact me through ebay message system for a shipping quote. I also offer professional in person delivery to some locations and cost would depend on distance. I am also open to local pick up if a collector would want to arrange with me to pick up this antique statue themselves.