Benin Coral
- Gallery: Room 25
- Made in: Benin City
- Date: 18thC-19thC (circa)
- Object type: crown, regalia
- Materials: coral; agate; glass; cotton
- Museum number: Af1898,0630.5
- Museum: The British Museum
- Collection record: British Museum website
- Image © The Trustees of the British Museum, shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 licence.
Listen to the free audio guide
About this object
This is "Benin Coral," a regal crown woven from coral beads, agate, and glass, all strung on cotton thread. You'll notice the delicate openwork mesh pattern gives it an airy, elegant look. Small tassels of larger beads are attached to the top, adding a touch of movement and richness.
Coral has been a symbol of power and prestige in Benin for centuries. This crown is part of royal regalia known as “erhu ede,” worn only by the Oba. Though lighter than full ceremonial crowns, this style would have been worn regularly. It’s possible that this crown was looted during the British invasion of Benin City in 1897.
The Edo people, who created this, have long valued coral for its spiritual protection as well as its beauty. It was brought to Africa by traders and later became a key element of royal identity and tradition. Today, you can see how these beaded forms continue to reflect cultural pride and craftsmanship.
See it in person
Benin Coral is on display in Room 25 at the British Museum on Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury, London — free to enter. Choose British Museum on audioguide.london and take a photo of it to hear this free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
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