Context (Field collection)
Taken during the Benin Expedition of 1897, a punitive expedition by a British force that caused the burning and looting of the city.
Event Date 2/1897
Author: Mark Elliott

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Description (Physical description)
Catalogue card notes: "A broad leaf shaped iron sword, with waist and pointed shoulders, the base continued to a flat square sided neck, which terminates in a handle decorated with a plaited pattern. This is protected by a ring guard (broken) The wings of the blade which are quite flat are divided by a central rib and decorated with perforated pattern. This is a very old specimen which has been mended with iron plates in three distinct places. (? for ceremonial use) Benin West Africa 1897 Expedition. "
Event Date 4/6/2000
Author: maa

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Context (Auction / Sale)
Catalogue card reads "Purchased Stevens, Professor Bevan's donation"

Event Date 4/6/2000
Author: maa

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Context (Field collection)
E 1902.94- 115 are recorded in the accession register as acquired on the 'Benin West Africa 1897 Expedition', presumably meaning they formed part of the loot from the sacking of the Royal Palace by British troops.
Event Date 9/10/2014
Author: Rachel Hand

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Context (Amendments / updates)
'Edo' is both a language and cultural group but the catalogue is presumed to have been using the term 'Edo as a cultural group. The term 'Benin' has been removed from the cultural group field.
Today Benin City is the capital of Edo State and so 'Edo State' has been used in the place field.
Event Date 30/5/2019
Author: rachel hand

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Conservation (Remedial)
CON.1977.3 | Remedial
Event Date 14/5/2020
Author: Kirstie French

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Context (Related Documents)
Catalogue card reads, in blue biro: "1902 E. 110 | AFRICA | WEST AFRICA / NIGERIA / A broad leaf-shaped iron SWORD, with waist and pointed shoulders, the base continued to a flat square sided neck, which terminates in a handle decorated with a plaited pattern. This is protected by a ring guard (broken). The wings of the blade which are quite flat are divided by a central rib and decorated with a perforated pattern. This is a very old specimen which has been mended with iron plates in three distinct places. (?for ceremonial use) L. 33.7". Benin, West Africa 1897 Expedition / purchased Stevens / Professor Bevan's donation | R. 1903 249."

In second hand, black ink: "BENIN"

Red circular sticker in bottom right corner of card.
Event Date 24/8/2020
Author: Katrina Dring

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Context (Amendments / updates)
'[Benin; Bini]' has been removed from cultural group field. Edo is retained.
Event Date 3/9/2021
Author: Benjamina Dadzie

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Description (Labels & Markings)
A label that reads '1902.110' / ?Ceremonial Sword. / Benin, West Africa / *Professor Bevan' is adhered to the object.
Event Date 3/9/2021
Author: Benjamina Dadzie

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Description (Labels & Markings)
The accession number is marked in white ink on the object.
Event Date 3/9/2021
Author: Benjamina Dadzie

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Description (Labels & Markings)
A marking in white ink that reads '10134' is on the object.
Event Date 3/9/2021
Author: Benjamina Dadzie

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Context (Amendments / updates)
'14th - 19th century' has been added to the period field.
Event Date 3/9/2021
Author: Benjamina Dadzie

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Conservation (Assessment Only)
CON.2022.5482 | Assessment Only
Event Date 2/11/2022
Author: Kirstie French

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Loan (Exhibition)
Fitzwilliam Museum (UCM), 25/7/2023 to 7/1/2024, Enslavement & Resistance: Cambridge & the Black Atlantic
Event Date 25/7/2023
Author: rachel hand