Huge African Benin Bronze Ceremonial Pot / Container

Huge and heavy early 20th century African tribal bronze vessel / pot. Circa 1900; 14Kg

High quality casting using the traditional lost wax process. This process often leaves perforations in its construction, but this piece has been fully rendered and is free from holes. A rare and beautiful prestige or ceremonial piece, and likely to be a Benin highly valued tribal item. The decoration is stunning with two large central figures, and two large snails in extremely high relief. There are also 2 turtles and the handles are in the form of snakes devouring a man. This would have been difficult to make. The entire body of the piece is covered with traditional tribal symbols and marks.

Overall condition is good and the metal has taken on great colour/patina. The small areas of verdigris adds to its character and authenticity as an old piece. The hinged lid missing. This would have been connected to the top flange hole(s).

Size: 36cm tall x 35cm large diameter) wide x 30cm deep. Weight 14kg.