Fernando, what a fascinating reply. I have read that the cross motif we see here is not related to Christianity. Especially if one reads about the prelude to the sacking of Benin and the moral outrage activities of Benin city society encouraged. Public execution of the condemned could be likened to human sacrifice to maintain order and continuity, all the more so when the methods are cruel. The British had by that time stopped the practice. Your post shows the long and dubious history Europe has with the trade coast. I wonder if the handle is more likely royal lions, symbols found in both west African and European ruling households.
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