Benin Bronze of an Oba with Two Assistants, 16th century, brass, 19” x 15”, Benin Kingdom (Nigeria), British Museum, London, Photo by Michel Wai via Wikimedia Commons, Creative Commons Share-Alike 3.0 License.
This is one of hundreds of brass sculptures (mistakenly identified as bronze sculptures) created by the Edo people for the palace of the Court of Benin, which was a sprawling cluster of buildings in present-day Nigeria. Today this sculpture and about 700 others like it are in the British Museum. Once again, the Brits stole a bunch of artifacts that they ought to return.
The Edo people of the highly prosperous Court of Benin made these beautiful sculptures for centuries. The vast majority of the scenes, which were hung throughout the palace in pillars, depict the elaborate court ceremonial life at the palace. This particular scene depicts an Oba, or king, standing with 2 attendants who hold up his arms. The king, who naturally is the largest figure, wears a beaded collar, chest bands and sleeves, probably made of coral. His skirt is imprinted with crocodile heads.
In 1897, British consul James Philips traveled to Nigeria to discuss the Benin Court’s new taxes on exports. The group was told to delay their mission because the Odo were conducting a religious ceremony in Benin City walls, but the group ignored the warning and continued toward the city where they were ambushed and killed. In retaliation, British Admiral Harry Rawson led an expedition to Nigeria that completely destroyed Benin City. On their way out, the Brits carried a treasure trove of artifacts, including the Benin Bronzes.
Today, about 50 of the Benin Bronzes remain in Nigeria. Approximately 2400 pieces are in U.S. and European collections.
Click here to see a short video on the subject.
