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

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

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

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 (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

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 (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)
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

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

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