The Significance of Benin Art and Artifacts

The attitude towards the Benin Art Show adopted in museums and galleries in Europe has changed dramatically in 112 years since its initial acquisition. There are many reasons for this, from acceptance of colonialism to the recognition of cultural diversity, progressive integration and exchange of anthropology, ethnographic journalism and art history, and ongoing debate about sources and returning. The art of Benin seen at museums around the world was systematically looted by British from Benin in 1897 as part of a punitive investigation of tiger's revenge which was excessive enthusiasm for the Holocaust.

Many of Africa's abundant relics, such as the plunder and destruction of the famous Benin Empire on 18 February 1897, the systematic looting of the Egyptian Empire, deliberate destruction of the Zulu Empire, were lost by negligence or deliberate action . Etc. In all these cases, the ability to conquer these empires intentionally deprived the best artifacts these empires must offer and destroyed artifacts they could not carry. These relics are displayed in the world's most prestigious art gallery.

The art of Benin is art from Benin Kingdom or Edo Empire (1440-1897) located in the south-south area now known as Nigeria, from the African country of the former colonial period. Benin Bronze is composed of more than 1000 metal plaques and sculptures, currently decorated with the royal palace of Benin, a contemporary Nigeria. Together, these items form the most famous example of Benin art created by the Edo people from the 13th century. And it includes other brass or bronze sculptures including some famous portrait head and small pieces.

One of Benin's greatest achievements is their exquisite work of art made of bronze, ivory and wood. Benin may have started bronze casting as early as 1200, and these works are considered examples of African art. A bronze embossed plaque entrusted by Oba and the Royal Court tells the history of people. When British troops destroyed the city, they confiscated more than 1000 benin bronze, of which only about 50 were returned to Nigeria. Recommendations for Final Papers 1. Most of the existing literature on ancient Benin has folklore shape. Do these stories reveal the values ​​and beliefs of Benin culture? 2. Compare the folk tales of Benin with the folklore of other cultures. 3. Compare the social and cultural structure of Benin with the social and cultural structure of ancient Ghana or Mali. 4. To what extent is Benin responsible for African slave trade in the 14th and 18 th centuries? 5. What happened to Benin Bronze?