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Exhibition Guide

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Personal Ornament

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    Enslaved Artists?

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Art Object Info

The fine ornamental wire, or filigree, on this work suggests that it was likely created during the reign of King Glele of Dahomey, who ruled between 1858 and 1889. In the 19th century, the kings of Dahomey visually linked themselves to their European trading partners by commissioning objects inspired by European decorative arts. Glele was particularly fond of the French design, and the filigree on this work can be traced back to elite styles in Paris. More than art connected Dahomey to France, however: the wealth that funded the creation of these works came from the illegal kidnapping and sale of enslaved persons.

 

Medium:
Silver alloy over horn
Size:
H: 24'
W: 8'
D: 5'
Date:
1858–1889
Anonymous Gift BMA 2002.112

Art Object Info

The fine ornamental wire, or filigree, on this work suggests that it was likely created during the reign of King Glele of Dahomey, who ruled between 1858 and 1889. In the 19th century, the kings of Dahomey visually linked themselves to their European trading partners by commissioning objects inspired by European decorative arts. Glele was particularly fond of the French design, and the filigree on this work can be traced back to elite styles in Paris. More than art connected Dahomey to France, however: the wealth that funded the creation of these works came from the illegal kidnapping and sale of enslaved persons.

 

Medium:
Silver alloy over horn
Size:
L: 5'
W: 8'
H: 24'
Date:
1858–1889
Anonymous Gift BMA 2002.112