Fig. 255.--Bronze plaque, representing two figures, the right one having a broad leaf-shaped sword upheld in right hand, with a large ring extending from pommel; teeth necklace, but no coral choker; no bell on neck; cylindro-oval head-dress with feather on left side. Both figures hold the same spear, point downwards. Left figure with shield on left arm, quadrangular bell, and leopard's skin dress. Head-dress of the same form as the other, ornamented with cowrie shells. Skirts of both figures ornamented with human heads. Fig. 256.--Carved wooden Jekri paddle, neighbourhood of Benin. Modern. Chain link shaft. Face on handle end. Pierced work blade. Fig. 257.--Carved wooden Jekri paddle, neighbourhood of Benin. Modern. Chain link shaft. Full length human figure on handle end. Pierced work blade, with human figures, crocodiles, etc. DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XXXIV. Figs. 258 to 260.--Round execution block, with marks on the top for the thumbs and forehead of the victim; elaborately ornamented all over. On the projection on which the forehead is intended to rest is a double row of cowrie shells, bound round. A band of guilloche pattern, incised, runs round the circle, and the projections for the thumbs of the victim are ornamented with herring-bone pattern. On the sides of the block are three human figures in relief holding hands; shields, a leaf-shaped sword, and a trident points down. The shields are ornamented with straight line diaper pattern, and a band of the same runs round the top of the edge of the block. Two human arms and hands are on the side, and two boxes or stools are between the human figures. The bottom of the sides is ornamented with a band of guilloche pattern in relief. The figures are clothed with jackets and skirts. The whole is much worn, as if by constant use. Fig. 261.--Ivory horn, mouth-piece on convex side. Ornamented with bands of broken guilloche pattern. Figs. 262 and 263.--Bronze plaque. A figure holding a so-called key in right hand. Coral choker, badge of rank. Head-dress, probably of agate or coral. No cross on dress. Fig. 264.--Bronze plaque, representing a figure standing holding in both hands a leaf-shaped sword of the kind shown in No. 130. The sword is narrower, and the swell of the blade nearer the point than in the majority of specimens. A round bell is attached to the left side. The hair appears to be dishevelled and partly plaited. Three tribal marks over eyes. DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XXXV. Figs. 265 and 266.--Bronze grotesque mask, intended probably as a stand for the carved ivory tusks in the Ju-Ju houses. The eyeballs project like those of the head, No. 137. Three tribal marks over each eye, and four over the nose. The forehead is very projecting; the nose aquiline and very broad. Tags, apparently of coral, are on the sides. The ears are very large. Fig. 267.--Brass bottle and chain, rudely cast.