Bird of Prophecy Idiophone
Date: 19th century
Medium: bronze
Dimensions:Overall: 13 1/2 x 3 1/2 x 6 1/2 in. (34.3 x 8.9 x 16.5 cm)
Classification: Musical Instruments
Credit Line: Museum purchase through funds from Beaux Arts
Object number: 95.0010
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.
