Context (Related Documents)
Catalogue card reads , in blue biro: "1902 E 447 | AFRICA | WEST AFRICA / NIGERIA / Oblong PLAQUE with patterned ground and border depicting a pair of ornate interlaced mudfish. (11.4" x 6.8") / Benin W. Africa / MR. W.D. Webster. | R. 1903 261"

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

Description (Labels & Markings)
Paper label adhered to the reverse reads: '1902.447. Plaque - mudfish. Benin. W.D. Webster, Esq.'
Event Date
Author: ashleigh griffin

Context (Field collection)
Presumed taken during the British Colonial Military Campaign on Benin, February 1897, as William Webster became the pre-eminent dealer in looted Benin material
Event Date 2/1897
Author: rachel hand

Description (Physical description)
Catalogue card: "Oblong plaque with patterned ground and border depicting a pair of ornate interlaced mudfish."
Event Date 1902
Author: maa

Context (Display)
Exhibited: on display in the Nigeria case (37), Maudslay Hall, from 1989 onwards.
Event Date 1989
Author: Lucie Carreau

Conservation (Remedial)
CON.2017.3695 | Remedial
Event Date 16/1/2017
Author: Kirstie Williams

Context (Analysis)
In January 2017, Prof. Marcos Martinon-Torres and Agnese Benzonelli, UCL Institute of Archaeology, tested this idno using a portable XRF as part of a programme of base metal analysis of Benin material. This object was tested four times in two areas, the main body and the repair area.
The results are as follows: Main body 1) Cu: 76.24%; Zn: 22.27%; Pb: 1.20%. Main body 2) Cu: 78.26%; Zn: 20.35%; Pb: 1.01%. Repair area 1) Cu: 72.26%; Zn: 24.64%; Pb: 1.83%. Repair area 2) Cu: 73.07%; Zn: 24.85%; Pb: 1.81%. It was noted that this crude cast was consistent with a later date.

Both areas, body and repair, have Zn reading >15 and very low FeNiAsSbPb. It stands out from all other plaques suggesting it may be later than 1700 - unusual from others which sit within the 1550-1610 date range.
Event Date 27/1/2017
Author: Eleanor Wilkinson

Context (Amendments / updates)
The Register noted only 'Benin, West Africa'. The narrow term 'Benin' has been used within the museum and more widely to refer to the both Benin City as well as the Kingdom of Benin and both terms have therefore been added to the place field with queries
Event Date 2/10/2018
Author: rachel hand

Context (References)
Photographed as part of the Art UK Sculpture project, August - September 2019. The project aims to create a free-to-access online photographic showcase of publicly owned sculpture. The three-year project focuses on sculpture dating from the last 1,000 years, held in public collections and outdoor locations across the UK
Event Date 4/6/2020
Author: Katrina Dring

Conservation (Assessment Only)
CON.2022.5478 | Assessment Only
Event Date 31/10/2022
Author: Kirstie French

Context (Analysis)
Evidence of previous metal analysis indicated by two areas of historic fresh cut metal on the rear of the plaque, on areas of Indigenous repair. The date and purpose of this analysis is unknown
Event Date 3/4/2023
Author: rachel hand

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