This object has been returned to Nigeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), following the transfer of ownership in November 2022.
A carved wooden box frame. Benin City. The frame is likely for holding an ughegbe (mirror) and is carved from a single piece of wood. Ughegbe were used mainly by priests and are viewed as portals to see beyond the physical world. They would be covered when not in use to prevent entities from the spiritual world entering the physical world where they do not belong.
It depicts two individuals in a boat, clasping hands. The figures are carved in 3D and can be seen from the front and back. The figure on the left holds a wooden paddle or spear, and the figure on the right has his hand in his pocket. A miniature copy of the figures can be seen in the middle of the boat, where the figure on the right appears to be holding a blade. Made by Igbesanmwan guildmembers (ivory and wood carvers).
