19 
On the back are carved a decapitated man and a crocodile — 
symbolic of the human sacrifices perpetrated by the Benin kings. 
The height to the top of the figures is 14 ins. ; the frame or case 
is 8 x Si ins - 
The next illustration represents two ancient carvings in ivory, 
being official maces or staffs of office, carried by the high 
executioner* or before him by his attendants. The one represents 
a human figure holding a sword in his right hand, while in the 
left is an inverted bell, rung to announce a human sacrifice. 
This form of bell is peculiar to the West Coast of Africa. Both 
of these carvings again show Portuguese influence. They have 
a beautiful brown patina (rust), and are much worn by age. 
They were found, like most of the specimens, in the king’s 
palace. They are 12 ins. in length. 
The next illustration represents two of the Bronze Bells used 
for summoning the populace to a human sacrifice. The one is 
quadrangular, with a human face in the centre in relief, .and is 
6J ins. in height by 4 ins. in width at the bottom. The other 
bell, representing a curious human face, was probably made in 
England, as it has on the back “ Rd 199,063.” It is 6J ins. in 
height. 
Two very fine ancient pieces of ivory carving form the next 
illustration (see pagev), viz., an armlet and bracelet, the former 
worn by one of the king’s wives, the latter by one of his daughters. 
The armlet is carved on a thin piece of elephant’s tusk, with 
human faces and other curious forms, the eyes and other parts 
being inlaid with metal, gilt. The object is very thin, and dis- 
plays great skill in the carving. The length is 5^ ins. Diam. 
31 ins. 
The bracelet is covered with different human faces, some of 
the negro type, others with beards and long hair, rather Russian 
in style. The length is 3f ins., and the diam. 2J ins. 
Next come fans of bush deer and goat skin, beautifully made, 
painted and worked. The large double or folding one is of hide, 
stained. The rest of the collection comprises knives, combs, 
iron, bronze and brass bracelets, &c. Also a Snider rifle taken 
from a dead chief, the butt of which weapon is studded with 
upwards of one hundred brass-headed nails, denoting the 
number of persons shot by the late owner with this particular 
piece. 
