Description
The Brief
- This is a high-quality replica of one the most iconic 16th century African bronze art works.
- The likeness is that of Iyoba Idia a Queen Mother from the historic Kingdom of Benin (now in modern day Nigeria): leader, warrior, politician, spiritual guide, and inspiration.
- The original and similar works (the famed Benin Bronzes) were looted by the British and are held today in the British Museum.
- Original Benin Bronzes have been valued at well over £1M.
- This replica can make a great centrepiece for your home, office, studio, and more
The Details
This replica matched the dimensions of the original art work: 41cm (h) x 17.8cm (w) x 17.8cm (w). Material: Resin & Bronze. Weight: 3kg
The Story
The 16th century bronze head of Iyoba (Queen Mother) Idia is an iconic work of art. The bronze originates from the Kingdom of Benin (now part of modern-day Nigeria) and features Iyoba Idia’s unique and self-invented ukpe-okhue curved conical headdress. After her death, this bronze was used at altars to commemorate her service to the Kingdom.
The bronze works were one of many examples of sophisticated and complex African art of that period. Many related works were looted during an 1897 British expedition into Benin. The replica featured is that of an artefact held at the British Museum in London.
Iyoba Idia was of the Edo people and the Mother of Oba (King) Esigie, the Oba who ruled the Kingdom of Benin c1504 – c1550. Iyoba Idia was instrumental in enabling her son Esigie’s victory over his brother Arhuaran to ascend to the throne of the Kingdom after the death of their father the Oba Ozolua.
As guardian of the Oba, Iyoba Idia was also seen as the protector of all of the Edo people and the Kingdom of Benin. She also fought as a warrior against the kingdom’s enemies.
Iyoba Idia was not only recognised for nurturing the future Oba, she was also hailed for providing the Oba with exceptional political counsel, spiritual guidance, and medicinal knowledge that enabled the Oba to conquer enemies and unify the kingdom.
In recognition of her contribution to the Kingdom, she was the first Queen Mother to be conferred with the title and political office of ‘Iyoba’. Her power, influence, and leadership were such that she has been referred to as ‘The Hidden Oba of Benin’.
In any time or place, Iyoba Idia provides an exceptional example of commitment, leadership, courage, and service to ones’ people.
Delivery Costs & Returns
This item is dispatched by Aso.
Delivery
UK standard delivery is £4.
Orders are usually delivered in 5 working days.
Returns
Aso’s policy lasts 30 days. If 30 days have gone by since your purchase, you may not be eligible for a refund or exchange.
To be eligible for a return, your item must be unused and in the same condition that you received it. It must also be in the original packaging.
To complete your return, a receipt or proof of purchase is required.
There are certain situations where only partial refunds are granted (if applicable):
- Book with obvious signs of use
- Any item not in its original condition, is damaged or missing parts for reasons not due to an error by Aso
- Any item that is returned more than 30 days after delivery
Refunds (if applicable)
Once your return is received and inspected, you will be notified via email that your returned item has been received. You will also be notified of the approval or rejection of your refund.
If you are approved, then your refund will be processed, and a credit will automatically be applied to your credit card or original method of payment, within a certain amount of days.
Late or missing refunds (if applicable)
If you haven’t received a refund yet, first check your bank account again.
Then contact your credit card company, it may take some time before your refund is officially posted.
Next contact your bank. There is often some processing time before a refund is posted.
If you’ve done all of this and you still have not received your refund yet, please contact us at sales@aso-global.com.
Sale items (if applicable)
Only regular priced Aso items may be refunded, unfortunately sale items cannot be refunded.
Exchanges (if applicable)
Items are only replaced if they are defective or damaged. If you need to exchange it for the same item, send an email to hello@lovejamii.com and send your item to: Olumo Rock Enterprises, 16 Einstein House, Chalkhill Road, Wembley, United Kingdom, HA9 9AZ.
Shipping
To return your product, you should mail your product to: Olumo Rock Enterprises, 16 Einstein House, Chalkhill Road, Wembley, United Kingdom, HA9 9AZ.
You will be responsible for paying for your own shipping costs for returning your item. Shipping costs are non-refundable. If you receive a refund, the cost of return shipping will be deducted from your refund.
Depending on where you live, the time it may take for your exchanged product to reach you, may vary.
If you are shipping an item over £30, you should consider using a trackable shipping service or purchasing shipping insurance. It is not guaranteed that your returned item will be received.
About The Maker
Aṣọ is a lifestyle brand that creates clothing, stationery, jewellery and accessories inspired by Africa. Aṣọ means ‘cloth’ in Yoruba, which they use as metaphor to symbolise the distinct communities of the African diaspora around the world being cut from the same fabric.
Founder Nathaniel was inspired to create the brand after travelling to South America and getting to understand the immense diversity of black communities that exist around the world. Aṣọ has since made regular appearances at Africa Fashion Week, Afropunk and Africa Utopia.
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