Description (Physical description)
Carved wooden head of man with 2 horns (?, which look like upturned feet; one is broken) on a short cylindrical base. The figure has 3 striations or cat's whiskers at each corner of the mouth; these are a distinguishing mark showing that the figure represents a messenger sent by the Oni of Ife to the Oba, recognising the latter's accession.
Event Date
Author: maa

Description (Labels & Markings)
There is the stump of a luggage tag attached with string. No writing remains.
Event Date
Author: Katrina Dring

Description (Labels & Markings)
Written on the base in pencil: '333'
Event Date
Author: Katrina Dring

Context (References)
see Dark, P. J. C (1973). An Introduction to Benin Art and Technology. Oxford: Clarendon Press, p. 99, Plate 44 ill. 94; p. 88, Plate 6 ill 9

Event Date 1973
Author: maa

Context (Related Documents)
See E 1910.118 and E 1913.3 records for further details about the Thomas Collection from Nigeria. [T.Cotterill]

Event Date 7/5/2001
Author: Katrina Dring

Context (Related Documents)
It is unclear whether 333 is the Thomas Collection number. The 1st Thomas Catalogue notes for 333: "Ofoi, servant of Ogiuuu; people die when he comes; can walk on head".
Event Date 22/8/2001
Author: Katrina Dring

Context (Amendments / updates)
Record updated as part of the Museum Affordances project 2018-2020

Event Date 4/9/2018
Author: Katrina Dring

Description (Physical description)
Carved wooden figure or doll, consisting of a head on a plain shaft. The face has scarification marks at the sides of the mouth, on the chin and above the eyes and wears a hat with two vertical protrusions like right-angled horns.
Event Date 4/9/2018
Author: Katrina Dring