File:Antique Works of Art from Benin 45.jpg

Figs. 328 and 329.--Broad leaf-shaped iron sword, similar to Figs. 326 and 327, Plate XLII. The handle enclosed in a large ring of metal, 8 inches by 5-1/2 inches interior measurement, twisted in two places. It has probably had a grip of wood, which has disappeared. The blade, which is only .06 inch in thickness, is ornamented with a pattern of perforated holes. The use of this instrument is unknown; it may have been an execution sword, but, if so, the ring-guard appears superfluous.

Fig. 330.--Iron staff, similar to the bronze one, Figs. 354 and 355, Plate XLV. In the cluster at the top is the figure of a bird surmounting an animal, probably a chameleon, similar to the one half-way down the stem, and surrounded by a cluster of various implements and weapons, points upwards, amongst which may be distinguished a fork with diamond-shaped heads, a curved bill-hook, a chisel, a spud and a reaping-hook. Below this are two clusters each of six hanging bells; two sinuous snakes, heads upwards, are crawling up the stem.

Figs. 331 and 332.--Carved wooden board, 10-1/2 feet in length and 1 foot 11 inches broad; from a house in Benin city. It is ornamented with five panels in relief. Each panel has a circle with radiating lines, bounded by lines of guilloche pattern. The several panels are separated by broad bands of interlaced strap-work, deeply carved. The interlaced strap-work varies in design, some being simply plaited, and in others it is further complicated with twists and returns. Some have two interlaced bands, others four. The carving is irregular and traced by the eye without measure or T-square. Long sinuous snakes with heads are represented in the smaller lines dividing the panels and give the effect of a meander. The whole of the carving has originally been covered with thin plates of brass or bronze beaten on, traces of which are seen here and there fastened on with oblong rivets of metal.

Figs. 333 to 335.--Round execution block and stand of wood, elaborately carved with figures of men and animals. On the top is a pointed spike of wood, 5 inches in height, on which the head of the victim appears to have rested, and below this on the surface at the top of the block are two receptacles for the thumbs of the victim, in the form of coiled mud-fish. The ornamentation on the top consists of squares and triangles filled with parallel straight lines alternating in direction, and edged with a circle of broken guilloche pattern. On the sides are three human figures, two of which are holding hands upwards, weapons and shields, and one a curved sword of European form, point downwards. Between these figures are two boxes or stools; there are also two human hands and other objects on the other side. The bottom of the block is surrounded by a broad guilloche pattern of four or five strands. The stand on which the block stands is of semicircular form. The top is ornamented with two animals, resembling crocodiles, conforming to the outline of the curve, and other animals and objects. On the front of this stand is a row of objects, consisting, in the centre, of a human figure holding something on the abdomen, human hands, animals' heads, and other objects. A very similar execution block, but without stand, is shown in Figs. 258 to 260, Plate XXXIV. The barbarous carving and ornamentation of such gruesome objects is quite characteristic of