#benin artifacts

The Bronze Head of a Queen Mother from the Benin Kingdom, dating back to the early 16th century, is a remarkable piece of art and history. This exquisite bronze sculpture beautifully captures the skill and artistry of the Benin people, showcasing their mastery in metal casting and craftsmanship. As you gaze upon the bronze head, you are immediately drawn to the intricate details meticulously…

The Horn Player bronze work from the art of Benin is a masterpiece that showcases the rich cultural heritage and artistic ingenuity of the Edo people in Nigeria. Commissioned only by the Oba, or ruler, or by others with his permission, this bronze sculpture holds a significant position in the history of Benin art. The technique of lost-wax bronze casting, which this magnificent piece…

Metal sculpture from the Niger River region, particularly from the 15th to the 19th century in Nigeria, represents a rich and diverse artistic tradition. The works in metal, particularly bronzes, encompass a wide array of styles and types, reflecting the creativity and skill of the artisans throughout the southern half of Nigeria, especially along the lower part of the Niger River. One…

The centralized city-state of Benin has its origins in the Edo-speaking peoples, who founded a vibrant cultural center that evolved continuously under the influence of internal and external power dynamics. According to oral tradition, around 1300, the Edo chiefs reached out to the leader of neighboring Ife, Oranmiyan, to establish a new divinely sanctioned royal dynasty. This marked the beginning…

Image credits: Jean-Pierre Dalbéra

Horniman Museum To Return 72 Benin Artifacts To Nigeria, Brings Forth A Discussion On Object Repatriation

Image credits: Son of Groucho

Bursted: Missing Benin Artifacts Found in British Museum

A Nigerian man visited the British Museum to request that the Benin kingdom artifacts which were allegedly stolen since the 1980’s, be returned.

The entrepreneur and philanthropist, Ambassador Dion Osagie from Edo state – revealed that his visit to the museum on the quest of recovering the items was worth more than anything to him.

The British museum boasts the second largest collection of art…