Fifteenth And Sixteenth-Century Cross-Cultural Encounters

From Reading 1.1 and Looking Closely at Plate 3.1.9, what do these sources tell us about fifteenth – and sixteenth- century cross-cultural encounters?
This assignment will discuss the nature of a cross-cultural encounter in the 15th and 16th centuries between the Portuguese traders and the people of Benin, leading to Portuguese figures depicted in Benin art and furthermore our understanding of cross-cultural encounters in general
The plaque under consideration (plate 3.9.1) is of three forward facing warriors, dressed in only a lower robe, wearing hats sporting flaps at either side, looking intently at the viewer. They are carrying either bronze manillas or bracelets conveying the Portuguese trading with them or even the importance of the Benin warrior. They are placed on a floral motif background possibly a symbol of the Oba’s connection with water and therefore a reminder of his power and rule. The largest of the men, whom stands in the middle, holds a staff in his left hand, ornately decorated at the top and could be depicted at a different scale
Benin people considered themselves higher rank over the Portuguese, but their presence and trade in Benin is continually referenced in the Benin artwork. But knowing these pieces were commissioned by the Oba, they therefore represent a biased perspective of the encounters between the two countries. We can also conclude that the biased opinions of the Portuguese in regards to Benin being a ‘primitive’ kingdom is backed up by the 19th and 20th century accounts but can be argued in the findings of the Benin bronzes in the later 19th centuries, with the bronzes being of superb standard and off limits to outsiders. Overall we need to analyse evidence from many different perspectives to understand the full impact cross-cultural encounters