Coronation procession to the Temple of the Great Snake. Benin. Engraved by N. Parr (c.1750)

Title: Procession to the Temple of the Great Snake on Cronning the King from Marchais. Engraver: Nathaniel Parr (active 1742-1751) Description: The print shows the Coronation procession to the Snake Temple at Whydah in the Bight of Benin region. Whydah was the centre of the snake or serpent worship cult, which had developed during the 17th century. This engraving depicts an elaborate procession in the kingdom of Whydah. There are groups of soldiers, musicians, king's wives, the royal court, the queen mother, attendants and priests. Production date: c.1750. Plate mark: 21,2x36,7 cm. Condition: fine.