Ivory Armlet

This is an ornately carved ivory armlet, depicting a king on horseback, accompanied by his retinue, and a series of animals. Though it originates in Benin, it is included as it was originally collected by a member of Sierra Leone's Krio community, Mr W. E. Johnson. From the mid-nineteenth century, Krio traders, missionaries and professionals settled along the coast of West Africa and in settlements on the Niger River. This Krio diaspora maintained close links with Sierra Leone through steam shipping lines, and objects from throughout the region found their way to Freetown where they were sometimes acquired by European collectors. Mr W. E. Johnson was a Krio trader, based in Bathurst, Gambia.

Further Information

  • Type: Ivories
  • Object: Ivory Armlet
  • Materials: Bone, ivory, tooth
  • Culture Group: Other, Krio
  • Dimensions: 90 mm x 125 mm
  • Production Date: Pre 1906
  • Associated Places: Southern Nigeria: Benin City (Created and collected)
  • Associated People: Mr. W. E. Johnson (Collector); A. Ridyard (Donor)
  • Museum: World Museum Liverpool Sierra Leone Collection
  • Accession Number: LIVCM.16.2.06.21