Benin Bronze
Introduction
Benin Bronze is some beautifully produced by African artists, art work. Benin Bronze was one of the best peices of artwork produced in Africa. It was carved from brass in the late 1800s. They made for the very powerful king, King Oba. Benin Bronze was made to decorate the pillars in his palace.
Background Story
Benin Bronze was stolen by British. At the end of the 19th century, the British Empire was in charge of nearly a quarter of the world. Other countries wanted the same. They rushed to Africa, in hope to find some land to their selves. All had been captured in Nigeria, expect from the Benin Empire. Benin had actually began as a small city, and then expanded to a huge empire which was undefeatable.
Benin was now known for the artistic skills. They were creating amazing artwork for the king, King Oba. The best produced Benin Bronze for the king to put in his palace. They were like bronze plagues. Then they began to tax imports and exports, which made the British officials really angry. They demanded that Benin be taken down by a force and the treasures that came with it, used to pay for the expedition. Nine British officers and their two hundred and fifty soldiers were killed. This made them really angry, and now had an excuse for war. This time they sent in more soldiers. They did win the war and their prize was the treasures from the palace.
When the Benin Empire was defeated, you could really tell how strong the British Empire was, and it was a bit like a warning. Most of the Benin Bronze was sold to pay for the expedition. Today, very few remain in Nigeria.
Examples of Benin Bronze
This is one of the Benin Bronze plaques. This was probably hung in the palace of King Oba. This Benin Bronze is made from brass. The size of this work is probably about 48cm, 38cm. Today they could be worth up to £500,000. You can see King Oba in the middle and then two chiefs beside him. King Oba seems to be at the front, representing that he
Benin Bronze is some beautifully produced by African artists, art work. Benin Bronze was one of the best peices of artwork produced in Africa. It was carved from brass in the late 1800s. They made for the very powerful king, King Oba. Benin Bronze was made to decorate the pillars in his palace.
Background Story
Benin Bronze was stolen by British. At the end of the 19th century, the British Empire was in charge of nearly a quarter of the world. Other countries wanted the same. They rushed to Africa, in hope to find some land to their selves. All had been captured in Nigeria, expect from the Benin Empire. Benin had actually began as a small city, and then expanded to a huge empire which was undefeatable.
Benin was now known for the artistic skills. They were creating amazing artwork for the king, King Oba. The best produced Benin Bronze for the king to put in his palace. They were like bronze plagues. Then they began to tax imports and exports, which made the British officials really angry. They demanded that Benin be taken down by a force and the treasures that came with it, used to pay for the expedition. Nine British officers and their two hundred and fifty soldiers were killed. This made them really angry, and now had an excuse for war. This time they sent in more soldiers. They did win the war and their prize was the treasures from the palace.
When the Benin Empire was defeated, you could really tell how strong the British Empire was, and it was a bit like a warning. Most of the Benin Bronze was sold to pay for the expedition. Today, very few remain in Nigeria.
Examples of Benin Bronze
This is one of the Benin Bronze plaques. This was probably hung in the palace of King Oba. This Benin Bronze is made from brass. The size of this work is probably about 48cm, 38cm. Today they could be worth up to £500,000. You can see King Oba in the middle and then two chiefs beside him. King Oba seems to be at the front, representing that he