King Figurine - Dahomey (benin) Circa 1930. Brass.

King Figurine - Benin circa 1930. Copper/brass alloy - oxidation, small dents - Figurine belonging to the Ato ceremonial sketches. This was a highlight of Dahomey's annual customs. During this ceremony, prisoners were offered as sacrifices to the royal ancestors, and were expected to deliver a message to them in the afterlife. The Prime Minister was in charge of executions. On this occasion, the king distributed wealth to his subjects, animals or slaves. These figurines were made by the Aïssi blacksmiths. The Musée du Quai Branly holds a complete set of these figurines, commissioned by the administrator and ethnologist Bernard Maupoil around 1934. (Approximately 130 figurines for a complete scene - see the set from the Musée du Quai Branly at the end of the slideshow. inv.71.1936.21.85.1 et seq.).