Richard Francis Burton (1821-1890)

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Richard Francis Burton (1821-1890)

Sketch of a compound at Benin(?), and three studies of Women's Heads

inscribed 'Jambra/Atolo/Obba(King)/Bawaku/Isany/3 to Egarra' further inscibed, and extensively inscribed on the reverse, pencil
6 5/8 x 8¾in. (16.8 x 22.3cm.)

Lot Essay

The inscription refers to Jambra, the King of Benin at the time of Burton's visit, and to his brother Bawaku who fled Benin and settled at nearby Isán (My Wanderings in West Africa, pp. 414-5).
For the variety of Nigerian hairstyles see R.F. Burton op.cit. pp. 280 and 418

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