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Benin brass figure of Queen Idia, Nigeria, 16th century. Artist: Werner Forman

Benin brass figure of Queen Idia, Nigeria, 16th century. Idia, the mother of Oba Esigie, was granted the right to establish her own palace and ancestral altars as a reward for using her mystic powers to bring victory in Benin's war against the Igala. Brass heads with the long beaded coral cap that covers the Queen Mother's hairstyle were cast for these altars. From the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Lagos

© Werner Forman Archive / National Commission for Museums and / Heritage-Images

Stamp Card produced by Ottmar Zeihar - Dahomey

Stamp Card produced by Ottmar Zeihar - Dahomey. These cards enabled collectors to see stamps which they were unable to obtain, or afford. There is a complete set of 180 cards, some of the smaller countries had a very low printing run and are hence very rare. Used Zeiher cards are very hard to find as the embossed stamp design was not approved by postal authorities as it confused the function of the proper stamps! Date: circa 1904

© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection

Africa, Benin, Taneka villages. Fireplace of a fetisheur preparing a magical infusion

© Catherina Unger/AWL Images Ltd.

Africa, African, Awl, Benin, Cultural, Culture, Dassa, Feticheur, Fire Place, Healer, Healing, Infusion, Medicine, Outdoors, Potion, Religion, Spiritual, Taneka, Taneka Koko, Tangba, Traditional, West Africa, West African