Context (Related Documents)
Replacement catalogue card reads, in blue biro: "1902 E 109 | AFRICA | WEST AFRICA / NIGERIA / An iron LAMP, the wide flat saucer is attached to a pair of crosshopps from the centre of which the trimming apparatus is hung by long linked chains. It is suspended by a four linked ornamental chain with square hook and spirally twisted shank, attached to the same central disc. / Benin, West Africa 1897 Expedition / purchased Stevens / Professor Bevan's donation | R. 1903 419."

Red circular sticker in bottom right corner of card.
Event Date
Author: Katrina Dring

Description (Physical description)
Catalogue card notes: "An iron lamp, the wide flat saucer is attached to a pair of cross hoops from the centre of which the trimming apparatus is hung by long linked chains. It is suspended by a four linked chain with square hook and spirally twisted shank, attached to the same central disc. Benin West Africa 1897 Expedition."
Event Date
Author: maa

Description (Labels & Markings)
The number '11358' has been written on the object.
Event Date
Author: Eleanor Wilkinson

Context (Field collection)
Taken from the palace of Oba Ovọnramwẹn Nọgbaisi in Benin City during the 1897 Benin Expedition and recorded in the Accession Register as acquired on the 'Benin, West Africa 1897 Expedition’.


Event Date 1897
Author: Eleanor Wilkinson

Context (Auction / Sale)
Purchased at an undated 1902 auction at J.C. Stevens saleroom, 38 King Street Covent Garden, London, with money donated to the Museum’s Accessions Fund by Prof. Anthony Ashley Bevan.

Event Date 1902
Author: maa

Context (Related Documents)
Accession register entry for E 1902.94- 115 are noted as taklen on the 'Benin, West Africa 1897 Expedition’
E 1902.93- 115 are annotated in the Register as 'B. Stevens *Prof Bevan'
Event Date 9/10/2014
Author: Rachel Hand

Description (Physical description)
Iron lamp. Wide, flat saucer attached to a pair of cross hoops from the centre of which the trimming apparatus is hung by long linked chains. The lamp is suspended by a four-linked chain with right-angled hook and spiral-twisted shank.
Event Date 14/9/2021
Author: Lily Stancliffe

Context (Other)
One of 99 objects on deposit from the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Nigeria (pending a physical return to Nigeria).
Event Date 27/1/2026
Author: Jan-Henrik Hartung

Context (Other owners)
In July 2022, the University of Cambridge agreed to repatriate 116 artefacts, including this object, taken from Benin City by the British military in February 1897. A legal transfer of ownership to the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Nigeria, took place on 27 January 2026.
The source field has been updated accordingly.
Event Date 27/1/2026
Author: Jan-Henrik Hartung