The Benin collection of the British Museum is one of the world’s most prominent. Benin objects fall into two distinct groups – the works of ivory and cast metal (’Bronzes’), made by court artists as marks of royal distinction, and the exquisite carved ivories made as souvenirs for the foreigners who were among the first Europeans to visit West Africa. While the latter objects have been in the West since the sixteenth century, the former were almost unknown when they were dramatically revealed at the end of the nineteenth century and both the general public and professional ‘experts’ on Africa struggled to incorporate them into the world as then known.
Plaque showing an oba supported by two attendants. Cast brass, 1550-1650.
The power structure of the Benin kingdom was entirely built around the oba (king), who embodied the wellbeing of his entire realm. Craftsmen were organized in specialized guilds producing exquisite works in brass, ivory, wood and beadwork exclusively for the oba and his royal court. The arrival of the Portuguese in the late fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries prompted the guilds to extend their output, producing works, for these new foreign visitors, that combined both African and Portuguese elements. Nowadays Benin artists produce for a world market.
Afro-Portugese salt cellar, carved in three sections. Ivory, 15th-16th century.
The arrival in Europe of the treasures from Benin at the end of the 19th century, created something of a sensation, ultimately causing a re-evaluation of and appreciation for African art more generally.
With stunning new photographs and close-up details of works in the collection of the British Museum, this book explores the art of Benin through themes such as kingship, women, Westerners and animals.
Nigel Barley
The Art of Benin by Nigel Barley is available to buy now.
