500267 Plaque, possibly 1500s-1600s (brass) by Edo Culture, (16th century); h:45.72 w:38.10 cm; Cleveland Museum of Art, OH, USA; (add.info.: Hundreds of brass plaques with figures in high relief once covered the wooden pillars of the palace courtyard. It cannot be confirmed whether the depicted scenes reflect rituals or ceremonies, or tell stories about historical events. Imported as a result of overseas trade with Europe, brass was the ultimate sign of wealth and the exclusive property of the king. ); John L. Severance Fund; Nigerian, out of copyright.