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

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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

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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

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

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Context (Display)
On display in the Maudslay gallery, Nigeria (Case no. 37) from 1990 until 2017.
Label noted:
'5 Plaque of Mudfish An oblong plaque with patterned gorund and border depicting a pair of interlaced mudfish. Benin Nigeria donated by W.D. Webster 1902.447'

Event Date 1990
Author: Rachel Hand

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

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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

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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

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Context (Display)
On display in the Maudslay gallery, Nigeria (Case no. 37) from 1990 until 2017 and then redisplayed in 2018 with new text.
Label noted:
'The Kingdom of Benin was one of many West African states overthrown by the British. The story of the massacre and looting in 1897 is told in the upstairs gallery. The brass plaques here were taken by the invading British forces from the walls and doors of the royal palace, and sold by the English dealer William Webster. Most date to 1550 to 1610.'

Individual label noted:
'#5 Bronze plaque: Mudfish This is a later plaque, made with less sophisticated casting, probably in the 18th century. It depicts a pair of interlaced mudfish- a royal symbol of wealth and resilience in several West African nations.
Edo. Benin, Nigeria, 18th century Donated by William D. Webster. Webster number 8788. E 1902.447;.

Event Date 4/2018
Author: Lucie Carreau

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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

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

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Context (Amendments / updates)
The phrase 'British Colonial Military Campaign on Benin' has been added to the source field based on the recommendations of Digital Benin. This explicitly links the object to the capture of Benin City by British Navy Forces and members of the Nigerian Coast Protectorate Forces on 18 February 1897/
The maker and artist field has been updated with 'Igun Eronmwon (royal guild of brass casters)'.
(https://digitalbenin.org/provenance/139; accessed 10.3.2023)

Event Date 10/3/2023
Author: Rachel Hand

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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

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

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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

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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

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Context (Display)
New free-standing yellow label added to the display case in February 2026 which noted:
‘In July 2022, the University of Cambridge agreed to repatriate 116 artefacts taken from Ben in city by the British military in February 1897. Arrangements are being made to physically return the collection. Artefacts numbered 3 to 6 are on loan from the National Commission of museums and monuments, Nigeria’.
Event Date 1/2/2026
Author: Rachel Hand