Study the Palace Plaque... The chief’s clothing and decoration uncover clues about him. The feather on the chief ’s cap symbolizes his office. Cowry Shell
Strands of red coral beads cover his head, neck, mouth, wrists, ankles and part of his chest.
What is coral? Corals are underwater creatures called polyps that grow in groups called reefs. Divers collect bits of bright red coral to create jewelry. Portuguese traders first brought red coral beads to Benin in the 1400s. Historically, Benin kings have owned all the coral beads in the kingdom. People could only wear the beads with the king’s permission. This plaque shows how the chief may have looked wearing the red coral.
Do you see shells represented on the warrior’s caps? These are cowry shells, which were once used as money.
Explore the gallery... Find real cowry shells in the gallery. Now that you know about symbols of Benin kingship, such as brass, leopards and red coral beads, find other things that express royal power throughout the gallery! LEFT: Head of a Ram Pendant, 15th–17th century. Owo Kingdom. Brass. Purchase: William Rockhill Nelson Trust through the George H. and Elizabeth O. Davis Fund, 2005.3. RIGHT: Beaded Throne, 19th century. Bamileke Chiefdom. Bansoa. Wood, glass beads, shells and fiber. Purchase: William Rockhill Nelson Trust through the George H. and Elizabeth O. Davis Fund, 92-13.
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