The Ikpin (snake figures) once adorned the roof of the Ọba Palace in the Kingdom of Benin. In Benin culture, the crocodile and boa constrictor are revered as protectors of Olokun, the god of the ocean, wealth, prosperity, and fertility. Following the burning of the palace during the 1897 British expedition, these snake figures were taken and no longer appear on the palace roof today. Several large cast snake heads and a single body segment are now held in various institutional collections. These figures remained on the palace roof until 1897, as evidenced by photographs from the expedition. These snake figures are classified into two groups. The first group features a smooth surface, recessed almond-shaped eyes, and faces adorned with circular motifs. The second group has a scaly surface, decorated with either stylized plant or snake motifs, and convex almond-shaped eyes.

Omorogbe, Aigbe. Ikpin, Bronze-cast(lost-wax), Private collection, Benin city

High poly model attached in addition files

CATB102