Shielded Warrior with Four Crocodiles

16th / 17th century, commissioned from the Royal Bronze-casting Guild (Igun Eronmwon) by the Royal Palace of Benin; by descent to Oba Ovonramwen (Ovonramwen Nogbaisi, b. about 1857 - d. about 1914; r. 1888 - 1897); 1897, probably looted from the Royal Palace during the British military occupation of Benin; [...]; until 1931 Han Coray (Reg.No.: BP 4) (collector, Agnuzzo); 1931-1940, Schweizerische Volksbank; 1940, Völkerkundemuseum der Universität Zürich; 1940 -1952 Eduard von der Heydt (collector Ascona) (Reg. No. AF,197); 1952, gifted to the Museum Rietberg Zürich