The Queen Mother wields influence Ever since the reign of the Oba Ensigie, the Queen Mother has been one of Benin's most powerful women. As a senior town chief, she has a voice in palace affairs and rules her own court. Though she is forbidden to see her son once he is crowned oba, the Queen Mother is expected to support him spiritually and politically. After the Queen Mother dies, the Oba dedicates an altar to her memory. He decorates it with tusks and bronze heads, like this one with an elegant beaded crown. Certain forms of art were used by and restricted to the ruler and his court. An example of royal privilege is this marvelously cast brass rooster. Such roosters decorated the altars of the queen mother and symbolized her power and authority. Benin women often carry fans like this one. For the Edo, who live in a tropical climate, coolness symbolizes all that is positive in life - purity, good luck, health and the watery world of the god Olokun.