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Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
Bird of Prophecy Idiophone
Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
© Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami. All rights reserved.

Bird of Prophecy Idiophone

Artist/Maker (Nigeria)
Date19th century
Mediumbronze
DimensionsOverall: 13 1/2 x 3 1/2 x 6 1/2 in. (34.3 x 8.9 x 16.5 cm)
ClassificationsMusical Instruments
Credit LineMuseum purchase through funds from Beaux Arts
Terms
    Object number95.0010
    On View
    On view
    Collections
    DescriptionBird of Prophecy idiophone or clapper used by titleholders in the annual court festival known as Ugie Oro. The Bird of Prophecy refers to King Esigie who, in the 16th century, ignored the warnings of his diviners to heed the "bird that cries disaster" and triumphed over his enemies, the Igala. That victory demonstrated the power of Benin kings over all forces, human and supernatural.
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