page_title: Benin ancestral altars
hierarchical_section_title: Benin ancestral altars
caption_attribution_description: English: Altar Tusk
context_page_description: Benin ancestral altars are adorned with some of the finest examples of art from the Benin Kingdom of south-central Nigeria.
context_section_description: Benin ancestral altars are adorned with some of the finest examples of art from the Benin Kingdom of south-central Nigeria.
caption: Since the 18th century, or possibly earlier, oba's altars have been embellished with matched pairs of carved elephant tusks, reflecting the increase in ivory's value at that time. The tusks were anchored on brass commemorative heads. Ivory's white color evokes spiritual harmony for the Edo; thus, its presence enhances an altar's sanctity. Ivory's important role as a commodity controlled by the oba also made it attractive for use on royal altars.
exif: {}