As after the death of a king, memorial altars were also erected for queen mothers after their death. While only memorial heads have survived from Benin's early phase, altar groups can also be found in the 18th and 19th centuries, as with the royal altars. In the centre stands the Queen Mother with the typical high headdress made of coral beads. She is flanked by two accompanying female figures who are warding off negative spiritual forces with raised shields. In front of them are two more youthful servants. The two in front carry round fans.