Benin art is primarily based around a court
context, and was designed to venerate the
achievements and/or memory of the Obas, the
divine rulers of Benin polities. As the office of
the Oba became increasingly ceremonial, the art
produced evolved into an instrument of the
state. Until the late 19th century, the Benin
centres were a ruling power in Nigeria,
dominating trade routes and amassing
enormous wealth as the military and economic
leaders of their ancient empire. This changed
with the appearance of the British forces, which
coveted the wealth of the royal palaces and
found a series of excuses to mount a punitive
expedition against the Oba’s forces in 1897. It
was only at this point, the moment of its
destruction, that the true achievements of Benin
polities became apparent to western scholars.
Their work in bronze and copper, ironworking
and sculpting in a range of materials that
particularly included ivory was extremely refined
and effective; indeed, smelting, forging and cire
perdue (lost wax) metalworking methods
exceeded any seen in Europe until the 19th
century. This sculpture specifically demonstrates
the unique Benin style and tremendous
craftsmanship of the people.
- (PH.0214)
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