Context (Related Documents)
Replacement catalogue card reads, in blue biro: "1902 E 456 | AFRICA | WEST AFRICA / NIGERIA / A bronze or brass BOTTLE with chain sling, the globular body and the long neck, with swelling and tubular mouth, decorated with grooved and beaded bands. / (8.3" x 3.6") / Benin W. Africa. / Mr W.D. Webster. | R. 1903 270"

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

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

Description (Physical description)
Catalogue card notes: "A bronze or brass bottle with chain sling, the globular body and the long neck, with swelling and tubular mouth, decorated with grooved and beaded bands."

Event Date 1902
Author: maa

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.
Event Date 2/10/2018
Author: rachel hand

Description (Physical description)
Chain sling now in two parts and a long section detached
Event Date 14/10/2021
Author: Katrina Dring

Context (Analysis)
Analysed using XRF instrumentation by Dr Agnese Benzonelli, University of Cambridge, as part of research by Prof. Marcos Martinon-Torres and Dr Agnese Benzonelli into Benin material at MAA
Event Date 13/3/2023
Author: rachel hand

Context (References)
Part of the Digital Benin project website. Available at

Noted as 'In Edo language, the word Uko means a kind of container used for different articles. This best relates to the term ‘flask’ in English.

Many flasks are part of the Benin holdings in various collections. There are two types of flasks. The first group is the most common – the containers are distinguished by their globular gourd-shaped bodies and small tube-like openings. Small lugs are often seen on the outer surface, and in several cases chains are still attached. Smaller versions may have been attached as pendants to other objects such as pendant plaques or neck ornaments. A second type are cast in the form of kneeling or sitting human figures. Some have argued that this is a woman (e.g. Plankensteiner, 2007), although others have said it is a wealthy chief (Enotie Ogbebor in Plankensteiner, 2022, p.146).

There is no consensus on the function of flasks, and indeed different flasks likely had different uses. Some have argued they may have stored powders such as gunpowder. However, a number likely contained medicinal substances and may have been used by priests, while small flasks were likely worn by individuals as charms for protection.

Flasks are also depicted on other objects, such as altars to the hand and altar tableaux, illustrating their importance.
Event Date 13/3/2023
Author: rachel hand