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The so-called Benin Bronzes (made of brass and bronze) are a collection of masterpieces that include elaborately decorated cast plaques, commemorative heads, animal figurines, human figurines, royal objects and personal ornaments. They have been produced in the Kingdom of Benin in West Africa since at least the 16th century by professional guilds working for the royal family of the Ouba (King) in Benin City. During the Benin Expedition of 1897, British troops plundered most of the items, when the British Empire was consolidating its control over southern Nigeria. Now Nigeria is fighting to return the looted art.
The plaque we show today depicts two high-ranking courtiers holding aloft a ceremonial sword. These swords were used in special ceremonies at the court, and those of high status would swirl them into the air to catch them before they fell to the ground. The figures on this plaque wear an abundance of coral beads, which can be seen on their crowns, high necklaces, chest straps and anklets. Each man has a leopard-print decoration on his left hip wrap, which symbolizes the power of the king; the king of Benin is often likened to a leopard, a fast, powerful, and secretive animal.
In the 16th century, the kings of Benin ruled over two million subjects in an area roughly the size of New England. During that period, the vast palace in Benin City consisted of many courtyards that could accommodate large crowds, as well as private areas for members of the royal family and court. One of the courtyards is decorated with more than 850 bronze plaques like this one, which are attached to square columns supporting the roof of the balcony, providing shade to the perimeter of the space. Oba Esigie, who reigned from 1517 to 1550, likely commissioned this massive art project to assert his authority after a succession struggle and civil war. His son Orhogbua, who reigned from the 1650s to the 1670s, may have continued and completed the gigantic project after his father’s death.
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Side note: Let’s take a look at some fascinating masterpieces from the Kingdom of Benin!
43.2 x 31.8 cm
Museum of Fine Arts
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