Handheld Clapper with Bird of Prophecy (ahianmwen-oro)

Artist Edo artist

Date19th century

MediumCast copper alloy

Dimensions13 3/4 x 3 5/8 x 4 3/4 in. (34.9 x 9.2 x 12.1 cm)

ClassificationsSculpture

Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Hanes

Object numberGL.72.19.43

On View

On view

Label TextThe erowo (bell) and ahianmwen-oro (clapper) demonstrate spiritual power. The bell’s placement on an altar would be used to hear prayers and call ancestral spirits. The clapper represents the oba’s (king’s) divine power to succeed despite an imminent defeat. The Leopard Hip Pendant, often worn by warriors, helped identify an individual’s rank within the Benin court. The leopard, valued for its ferociousness and intelligence, was associated with the oba and the most powerful members of his court.
[T. Smith, "The People's Collection, Reimagined," 2024]
Note: This work was displayed with Altar Bell (erowo) [G.73.8.15] and Leopard Hip Pendant [99.2].ProvenanceCreated in the Kingdom of Benin (present-day Nigeria), 19th century; probably looted by British officer or soldier during Raid on Benin City (Feb. 9-18, 1897); acquired by James G. Hanes before 1972; gifted to the NCMA, 1972Published References"Acquisitions," North Carolina Museum of Art Bulletin 12, nos. 1 and 2 (December 1973), group of objects on long-term loan listed 68.

North Carolina Collects (exhibition catalogue) (Raleigh: North Carolina Museum of Art, 1967), cat. no. 97, illus. (b-w).
Exhibition HistoryRaleigh, NC, North Carolina Museum of Art, "North Carolina Collects," October 10-29, 1967, cat. no. 97, illus. (b-w).

Raleigh, NC, North Carolina Museum of Art, "African Sculpture from the Hanes Corporation," February 11-August 15, 1972.

Greensboro, NC, Weatherspoon Art Gallery, September 9-30, 1973.

Raleigh, NC, North Carolina Museum of Art, "The People's Collection, Reimagined," October 7, 2022–present. Object Rights Statement

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