Great African Bronze Benin Queen Mother Head Nigeria 11 pounds low opening bid

Description

Bronze Benin Queen Mother Head, Nigeria, African Art
Queen Mother heads are a common artform in Benin culture. They were created to honor the mother of the king, who often has a helping hand in her son’s reign. These heads come in many shapes and sizes and each one is unique since they are created using the lost-wax casting method. This particular head measures 18 inches tall and weighs 11 pounds. The bottom of the bronze isn't even, so I had a wooden pedestal made to display it.  With it that makes the entire piece 23" tall. There is some corrosion inside, imperfections – please see photos.
This piece was found in an art museum in storage and no one claimed it.