Edo Figure of a Guinea Hen, on Platform

A guinea hen with its chin up, armored in scales and entirely sure of itself.

This figure of a guinea hen on a platform is Edo (Benin) work from West Africa, made of bronze in the early 20th century. Cast metal birds and animals were made for the royal court of the Benin kingdom, where such pieces often stood on altars honoring past rulers. The domed body is covered in fine incised scales and edged with small studs. A long, smooth neck rises through a single ring to a crested head. Heavy clawed feet grip a square base with a woven pattern. Nineteen inches high and 13 wide.

It has not looked down once.