The decorative mask is part of the cultural and artistic heritage of the presumably 800-year-old Kingdom of Benin. The kingdom, which is located in what is now southwestern Nigeria, was conquered by the British in 1897 and the courtly works of art came to Europe as spoils of war. The mask in the shape of an Oba head was worn on the body by men belonging to a higher military rank. The mask is characterized by its coral pearl cap, on which a pearl rosette is attached to each corner. Under this cap is a coral pearl jewellery consisting of several rows, on which three individual cylindrical pearls are attached. The characteristic scarifications can also be seen on the Oba’s forehead.