The plumage and sound bar are reproduced in every detail. Each of the short feathers and the longer ones at the wing tips are clearly visible. The woven pattern on the sound bar is elaborately detailed. The bird carries a small object in its long, curved beak.

The divination bird Oro is closely linked to the history of Benin. It often appears in connection with a sound bar (= idiophone, as seen here), but also on plates. According to oral tradition, it is said to have played a role in the Igala War. This oft-cited story is one of many possible attempts to contextualise the object. It must therefore be understood as an attempt and not as fact. According to tradition, Benin was attacked and almost defeated in the early 16th century by the rival kingdom of Igala, located beyond the Niger River. A bird prophesied that Benin would succumb to the Igala's defence. Oba Esigie then shot the bird and defeated the Attah of Idah in a surprise attack. As a sign of his victory, he had chimes cast with prophetic birds and proclaimed that such an animal should never be trusted. As part of the annual Ugie Oro ceremony, dignitaries strike the bronze beak of the bird in honour of Esigie and his victory.

Contrary to earlier publications, we tend to believe that this is an ibis bird rather than a thrush.

See:
Barbara PLANKENSTEINER (ed.): Benin. Kings and Rituals. Court Art from Nigeria, Vienna 2007, p. 446.