West African bronzes
Benin, Ife, and Yoruba metalwork. Provenance research, restitution discourse, and reinterpretation.
Elected by the community.
Stewards curate the circle's priorities, verify provenance, and govern disputes. Stewardship is earned through contribution signal and ratified on the Tenzro ledger.
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Each root artifact in the circle — and every layer branching from it. Click a node to open.
Contributions in this circle
Wax-residue analysis — on the original casting process
A practicing brass-caster's analysis of residual wax patterns on the inner cavity, arguing the head was cast in two coordinated pours rather than one.
Commemorative head of an Ọba
Edo peoples, Benin kingdom · brass · early 16th c.
A commemorative brass head of an Ọba, cast by the royal guild of brass-casters of Benin City. Several comparable heads are held across European and African collections; their provenance is under active review through the Benin Dialogue Group.