DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XXVI.

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Figs. 164 and 165.—Carved ivory figure of a woman (?) standing, the arms deficient; They were fitted into square sockets on each side, and were fastened by large bronze nails, one of which remains. A row of five leopards’ heads hanging from the waist-belt, edged with rows of pellets, or perhaps eyelets, but much defaced. The lips are very thick and the nose broad. The pupils of the eyes are represented by deep circular cavities. No tribal marks apparent, the breasts are not large, but pendant. The whole of the ivory is very much weathered and pitted, especially the legs and base. The figure was accompanied by another of the same size exactly like it and without arms, which was not purchased.

Fig. 166.—Coral whip or whisk, probably a badge of office. Four tags, two of which are ornamented with crocodiles embroidered with metal.

Figs. 167 and 168.—Ivory carved tusk, 3 feet 6 inches long from bottom to point. Band at bottom with reticulated or square-shaped ornament, probably derived from interlacing bands. Commencing from the bottom, the ornamentation consists of:—A coiled serpent, tail in mouth. Leopard’s head and human head. Human figures standing, one having a cross on breast, and a key or axe-shaped object in left hand similar to the bronze figure, Figs. 90 and 91, Plate XV; staff in right hand. Figure holding sash round waist. Elephant’s head with tusks, proboscis terminating in a human hand. Human figure with spear in left hand, shield in right hand. Bird standing on pedestal. Human figure upholding broad leaf-shaped sword in right hand; bell on neck; pedestal on top of head; feather in cap. Human figure.

Fig. 169

Fig. 169.—Ivory ring, carved, with 3 birds.

Fig. 170

Fig. 170.—Ivory bracelet, rudely carved, with representations of leopards’ and elephants’ heads and perhaps the vestiges of the mud-fish.

Fig. 171

Fig. 171.—Carved ivory bracelet, representing a snake, the eyes inlaid.

Figs. 172 and 173

Figs. 172 and 173.—Ivory bell, or rattle. With clapper of ivory, consisting of an elephant’s tusk point, with human head carved; tribal marks over eyes.

Figs. 174 and 175

Figs. 174 and 175.—Dagger, the handle ornamented with lines of dots and circles. The blade has an ogee section, similar to that which prevails in the Gaboon and nearly all parts of Africa.

Figs. 176 and 177.—Wooden head-dress. The horizontal bar appears to represent a shark with mouth and tail, ornamented with carved representations of animals and masks. Said to be from Benin, West Africa. The masks are quite characteristic of Benin art. The eyes of the large mask are formed of the metal bases of cartridges, which proves it to be quite modern. It is similar in character to Fig. 183, Plate XXVII. It is perhaps Jekri, see a paper by Messrs. Granville and Ling Roth in the “Journ. Anthrop. Inst.,” Vol. I, New Series, Plate VIII, Fig. 3.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

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