Eseiku figures, according to oral tradition, represent an indigenous group of settlers in Benin, now confined to an area called Ivbioto. These figures depict individuals with dwarfism or chondrodysplasia. While some, like Kathy Curnow, suggest they were jesters in the royal court, this interpretation is disputed due to their distinct features. With only two full figures and one head known, they may be rare examples of portraiture in Benin art. Their dating is uncertain, but estimates place them in the 16th century, possibly during Ọba Esigie’s reign. Their original function remains unclear, though they may have been used as altar furnishings.

High poly Attached in Additional Files

Catalogue Number: CAT3B_099