Description (Labels & Markings)
Label adhered inside lid: 'Carved oblong box (wood) / Benin / Wester Sale Nov. 30 / The Rev. Charles Taylor D.D. 1904.'
Event Date
Author: Katrina Dring

Description (Labels & Markings)
The numbers '1945' and '11304' have both been written on object in white ink.
'1945' has been written in a circle.

The '11304' is a Webster stock number.
Event Date
Author: Eleanor Wilkinson

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

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 Vol. 29, p. 39, Fig. 30, No. 11304.

Captioned on p.55, No. 11304 as 'Carved wood box ornamented on top with two figures and a fish, the sides with birds, fish, foilage etc, 16 1/2 inches high, 4 2/4 broad, 3 1/4 inches deep, £4.10.0'

Event Date 1901
Author: rachel hand

Context (Auction / Sale)
Catalogue card: 'Purchased, Rev. C. Taylor's donation'
Accession Register: 'Webster Sale 1904 * Rev C. Taylor D.D'
Event Date 1904
Author: maa

Description (Physical description)
Catalogue card notes: 'An oblong wooden box: the lid and sides are carved in relief with human (European) figures, birds and fishes and interlaced work.'

Event Date 1904
Author: maa

Context (Related Documents)
Catalogue card reads, in black biro: "1904 E 372 | AFRICA | WEST AFRICA / NIGERIA / An oblong wooden BOX: the lid and sides are carved in relief with human (European) figures, birds, fishes and interlaced work. (16.1" x 4.8") / Benin. / Purchased / Rev. C. Taylor's donation | R 1905.771"

Red circular sticker in bottom right corner of card.
Event Date 1904
Author: Katrina Dring

Context (Acquisition Details)
Purchased from William Downing Webster using money donated to the Museum Accession fund by Rev Dr. Taylor, Charles.
Event Date 1904
Author: rachel hand

Description (Physical description)
Cracks in lid and base. Evidence of insect damage. White accretions inside lid. Label glued to inside of lid.
Event Date 14/6/2001
Author: Katrina Dring

Description (Physical description)
Oblong wooden box, carved by an Omada or page in the Royal Palace. The lid is carved in shallow relief with a figure of an Oba, in coral regalia, holding an ada (sword) in his right hand and a short staff in his left, and also a figure in 17th or 18th century European dress, holding a sword and a rifle with a drum to his right. Between the two figures is a coiled mudfish. The sides are carved in relief with birds, fishes and interlaced work.
Event Date 17/2/2022
Author: Mark Elliott

Description (Physical description)
The oils/varnish used on the outer surface of the lid and base do not extend to the inner edges and inside and reveal a lighter colour of wood below.
Event Date 18/3/2022
Author: rachel hand