Within the Benin Kingdom, a man can establish an "altar to his hand," a representation of personal achievement.  The object is missing its separately carved base.  Unlike this example, royal "altars of the hand" of the Benin Kingdom court were made of cast brass.  Royal altars probably served as models for the more common wooden types.

The upper projection once held a tusk or a horn.  The images refer to the importance of the altar's owner, the central figure with a sword of authority in his right hand.  Gunpowder flasks appear at his sides.  His left hand is supported by an attendant holding a spear.  Additional images found on this object are two other subordinates, two severed enemy heads and a horse.