Context (References)
Illustrated in Webster, W.D. (1895-1902) Catalogue of ethnological specimens : European and Eastern arms & armour, Prehistoric and other curiosities / W.D. Webster, Oxford House, Bicester, Oxon., England. (Volume 1: 1-10; 1895-1896 -- Volume 2: 11-17; 1897-1898 -- Volume 3: 18-23; 1899 -- Volume 4: 24-29; 1900-1901 -- Volume 5: 30-31; 1901-1902.)

Illustrated in Catalogue No. 28, p. 5, Fig. 39.
Captioned on p. 23, No. 10813, as 'bronze female figure, 6 1/2 inches high £3.10.0'.
Event Date 1901
Author: rachel hand

Description (Physical description)
Catalogue card notes: "A bronze or brass female figure wearing a bead collar and apron (legs missing)."
Event Date 6/6/2000
Author: maa

Context (Amendments / updates)
Given Webster's acquisition of much of the spoils of the Benin West Africa 1897 Expedition, and the early date of 1902-3, it is likely his personal donation of Benin material was also collected on the 1897 Punitive Expedition. This has therefore been added to the source field with queries to indicate the lack of available data for a definite provenance.

The note created during transcription of the catalogue card in 2001 added that it was unclear if 'Edo is the province or language group, and whether Benin refers to the city of Benin'. The Register noted only 'Benin, West Africa'. As the catalogue card was written before the creation of Edo State in 1991, 'Edo' would have referred to the Edo people and has been removed from the place field.

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 in brackets to show the original provenance e.g., 'Benin [?Kingdom of Benin; ?Benin City].
Event Date 2/10/2018
Author: rachel hand

Context (Related Documents)
Catalogue card reads, blue biro: "1902 E 452 | AFRICA | WEST AFRICA / NIGERIA / Bronze or brass female figure wearing a bead collar and apron (legs missing) / Benin W. Africa / Mr W.D. Webster | R 1903 266"
Event Date 24/8/2020
Author: Katrina Dring