Bronze Benin Bust if Queen Iden

1960’s Bronze Benin Bust of Queen Iden 
H13.5”
£325
Ref/NP331
OUEEN IDEN: THE SAVIOUR OF BENIN KINGDOM
Queen Iden Of Benin Kingdom
Queen Iden is a  heroine whose sacrifice helped shape Benin Kingdom. She was the queen during the reign of Oba Ewuape in about 1700 AD. She is known to have volunteered herself as a sacrificial lamb for the welfare of her husband and that of the entire kingdom. Her husband, Oba Ewuape, ascended the throne in very turbulent times. His kingdom and chiefs rebelled against him. He had the kingdom but had no subjects. His palace was deserted, save for Queen Iden. She stood by Oba Ewuape and refused to leave the palace. The oracle divined that for peace to be restored to Benin Kingdom, a human sacrifice was needed. Queen Iden offered herself as a sacrificial lamb for the restoration of the monarchy. She was given a befitting burial and her tomb lies close to Oba market (in Benin City) till date.