Final answer:
The "Waist Pendant of a Queen Mother" from the Benin Kingdom is a significant artifact made of ivory that signifies the royal lineage and the divine connection of the King to his ancestors. It embodies the advanced artistry of Benin craftsmen and the cultural importance of queen mothers in Benin society.
Step-by-step explanation:
The "Waist Pendant of a Queen Mother" from the Benin Kingdom in Nigeria, dating back to 1520, represents the rich cultural and historical traditions of Benin artistry. This particular ivory pendant is a detailed sculpture honoring the mother of the king, known as Iyoba, and was worn by the king on special occasions and ceremonies, signifying his connection to the divine and the royal lineage.
The creation of such a pendant, utilizing materials like ivory, iron, and copper, was not only a reflection of the advanced achievements in Benin art but also a testament to the sacred powers attributed to these materials and their role in forging a relationship between the art and the supernatural. The Benin Kingdom is renowned for its exquisite bronze plaques and artworks produced using the lost-wax method, such as the Equestrian Oba and Attendants, which were strategically placed throughout the palace to visually document the Oba's dynasty. The craftsmanship of these items, specifically from the brass crafters guilds, was highly respected and considered a tribute to the spiritual deity Oba, who was integral to the ideology of Benin society.
Ceremoniously, the art created, including this waist pendant, conveyed the spiritual and ancestral connections of the society, reinforcing the Oba's divine rule and the significance of the queen mothers, or iyobas. This precious art also serves as a historical narrative, preserving the oral traditions and royal customs of the Benin Kingdom through their enduring visual impact.