African art book very intense and beautiful as their art sculpture and masks. Agboghidi was a strong fighter, who married a wife that had supernatural powers. The benin bronzes are a group of more than a thousand metal plaques and sculptures that. Rare bronze benin statue 31 warrior african tribal sculpture antique. Benin bronze hip masks and benin oba commemorative heads. This mask from benin city, nigeria, displays benin cultural influence. This book is great for your coffee table and will likely enlighten many of your friends, as african history is not well known.
The benin ivory mask is a miniature sculptural portrait in ivory of idia, the first iyoba or queen mother of the 16th century benin empire, taking the form of a traditional african mask. Buy genuine handmade african masks, african bronzes, and tribal art from the people of the republic of benin. Spoils of war the art of benin is elegant, fiery and mostly locked in the british museum. Agboghidi mask benin bronzes for sale benin bronze heads. These were brought to the benin empire by european traders, and were usually exchanged for slaves. Benin, one of the principal historic kingdoms of the western african forest region fl. All the while masquerading as an african artifacttoart book. I first saw them in london at the british museum and the photos in this book inspired the same amount of awe as seeing the bronzes in a museum. Using the benin bronzes as a case study, the article argues for t.
The umbrella term benin bronzes refers to a huge range of objects produced by members of the casters guild, most of which are actually made of brass or copper alloy. Dogon tribal masksthis elephantmask with its long hood nose and large ears, is decorated with multicoloured beads, is characteristic of a bamileke secret society in west cameroon, to whom it is unique. It was situated in the forest area of southern nigeria, 106 miles southeast of ife. This mask has strong historical and cultural significance. Benin bronze, royal couple, rare african masks, african art, bronze, french. The coronation of the new king of benin kingdom takes place this october. Sculptures are for the most part in wood, a few in stone or ivory, and others in an alloy of bronze, gold, or silver.
A 16th century imperial monument routledge research in art history 1st edition. African bronzes, masks and art from the people of benin. The art of bronze casting was introduced around the year 1280. This was a form of money in the shape of bracelets that were usually made either of bronze or of copper. Available for sale from barakat gallery, benin bronze mask of an oba, circa 18th century ad to 19th century ad, origin benin kingdom, medium bronze. Read and learn for free about the following article. While there are no written records documenting benins early history, historians speculate that meetings like this were the beginnings of its rise to statehood. Bronzes are believed to have been cast in benin since the th century, and some of the benin bronzes in the collection date from the 15th and 16th centuries. The origins of voodoo, the misunderstood religion ancient. Queen idia mask benin bronzes for sale benin bronze heads. The majority are highly coloured but this is not unique.
Olfert dapper, a dutch writer, describing benin in his book description of africa 1668. African american art african art ghana yoruba people colonial art african sculptures african diaspora african masks african history. A 16th century imperial monument routledge research. Both feature a serene face of the queen mother wearing a beaded headdress, a. Posts about benin bronze written by aplusafricanart. This sumptuous photographic book showcases a series of specially taken. History, manufacture of benin and yoruba tribal sculptures. Purchase this sculpture and help sustain the art of bronze casting from the ancient kingdom of benin city. Etsy is the home to thousands of handmade, vintage, and oneofakind products and gifts related to your search. Western reactions to benin bronzes civilisations bbc. How was bronze made what is bronze made of dk find out.
The lady with the brooding hollow eyes the ivory mask from benin is everywhere. There is a bronze head of queen idia from ancient benin that was also found in the expedition of 1897. The benin bronze, like other artefacts, is still very much a part of the politics of contemporary africa and, of course, nigeria in particular. At the same year, it was presented to the british museum by sir william ingram. Girshick benamos, the art of benin london, the british museum press, 1995the relief brass plaques that used to decorate the obas kings palace are among the most wellknown of all the royal arts of benin. Courtney connolly bronzes of benin, igbo and the gold coast what others are saying deliciousdimension. The capital, also called benin, was the hub of a trade network exclusively controlled by the king or oba and which included relations with portuguese traders who sought gold and slaves. The queen idia mask was the chosen emblem for the festival of african arts and culture festac held in 1977 in lagos, nigeria. African bronzes bronze sculptures, figures, and prestige items.
Nov 16, 2015 george the poet performs a spokenword poem about an african work of art a benin bronze plaque in the british museums africa gallery. The republic of benin was one of the shortestlived countries in history. The benin bronzes are actually made of brass and not bronze. Two almost identical masks are kept at the british museum in london and at the metropolitan museum of art in new york city. Get the best deals on african collectibles 1600 1900. Benin bronze, royal couple, rare african sculptures, african. Did you scroll all this way to get facts about masks. Pin by at home in africa on yoruba african history royal art of benin. The forms of african masks are extraordinarily varied. Shipping shipping takes between 3 days and 2 weeks to arrive at your address. Jun 23, 2014 two of the hundreds of benin bronzes looted by the british army during an 1897 raid have been returned to nigeria, leading to calls for more repatriations.
When the british museum held an exhibition of the benin bronzes in september of 1897, the times wrote a report, that no evidence or links, between benin and lost ancient civilisation had been found, and the report concludes unexpectedly, with a surprise, that the magnificence bronze work was made by negro craftsmanship reading 2. The benin ivory mask is a sculptural portrait of the queen. Benin bronze mask the story of bronze age from the year 1200 the bronzes of benin are the outcome of a long tradition of bronze casting which can be traced back over more than two millennia to the ancient nok people, who lived on the plains of jos and the yoruba people who flourished between the 10th and the 19th centuries in the south and west of nigeria. Great book with amazing photographs of the storied benin bronzes. Benin bronze the story of bronze age from the year 1200.
It has been suggested that voodoo in west africa evolved from the ancient. Royal arts of a west african kingdom art institute of. The metropolitan museum of art benin bronze hip masks and benin oba commemorative heads a cast bronze panel showing a war chief of benin benin west africa artifact, to the century,ad. Based on archaeological evidence and stories passed on through many generations, it is known that clusters of villages preceded the great kingdom. The benin bronzes are a group of more than a thousand metal plaques and sculptures that decorated the royal palace of the kingdom of benin in what is now modernday nigeria. Benin royal arts of a west african kingdom by kathleen bickford berzock 1 was produced to accompany at the art institute of chicago the exhibition, benin kings and rituals.
Sep 11, 2003 spoils of war the art of benin is elegant, fiery and mostly locked in the british museum. Today, it is clear that the bronzes were made in benin from an indigenous culture, centuries before contact with portuguese traders. I do not have any benin hip masks in my collection. Antique african baule tribe hand carved passport mblo mask cote divoire yqz. One benin bronze a sculpture in the shape of a cockerel even found its way to the dining hall of jesus college, cambridge, after being bequeathed in the will of. Get information about how bronze was made from the dk find out website for kids. The benin ivory mask is a miniature sculptural portrait in ivory of idia, the first iyoba or queen mother of the 16th century benin empire, taking the form of a traditional african mask two almost identical masks are kept at the british museum in london and at the metropolitan museum of art in new york city.
They were seized by a british force in the punitive expedition of 1897 and given to the british foreign office. There are very few people in history who left their sculptures unpainted. This book demonstrates that copper alloy casting was widespread in southern nigeria and has been practiced for at least a millennium. The benin bronzes are a collection of more than 1,000 brass plaques from the royal palace of the kingdom of benin. British museums may loan nigeria bronzes that were stolen. Benin bronzes looted by the british returned to nigeria. There are also a number of benin kingdom bronze cast masks that date back to 18th century but are believed to show centuries of artistic development. Although the exact origins of voodoo are unknown, it is generally agreed that this religion has its roots in west africa. Apr 10, 2018 subscribe and to official bbc youtube stream original bbc programmes first on bbc iplayer programme websi.
Court arts from nigeria, july 10 september 21, 2008. Subscribe and to official bbc youtube stream original bbc programmes first on bbc iplayer programme websi. The history of this mask dates back to more than 500 years ago. Peeks research provides a critical context for the better known casting traditions of igboukwu, ife, and benin. Royal arts of a west african kingdom art institute of chicago. Modern day benin is regarded as the birth place of this religion, and the name voodoo itself means spirit in the local fon language. Benin bronze and ivory hip masks a comparison of style this page is for educational purposes only. A pendant mask at the metropolitan museum in new york. Western reactions to benin bronzes civilisations bbc two. Benin ivory mask if youre seeing this message, it means were having trouble loading external resources on our website.
No matter what youre looking for or where you are in the world, our global marketplace of sellers can help you find unique and affordable options. Mar 10, 2016 posts about benin bronze written by aplusafricanart. If youre behind a web filter, please make sure that the domains. Apr 23, 2017 there is a bronze head of queen idia from ancient benin that was also found in the expedition of 1897. Patrons, artists and current controversies the imagery of power on benin bronze plaques benin and the portuguese benin queen mother pendant mask edo peoples benin ivory mask edo peoples benin plaque. Collectively, the objects form the best known examples of benin art, created from the thirteenth century onwards, by the edo people, which also included other sculptures in brass or bronze, including some famous portrait. The mask, which has been described as one of the most beautiful pieces of ancient african art, was taken from the royal palace at benin city during the british punitive military expedition of 1897. Others offered details about the history of the tribe or how they migrated from various areas to their. It opens with an introduction to the kingdom, court and culture of benin, which is. If you are interested in bronzes, african art or early civilisations there is. There are also a number of benin kingdom bronze cast masks that date back to 18th century but are believed to show centuries of artistic development world. Their group brought gifts with them from british schoolchildren, including books and supplies. T he bronzes of benin are the outcome of a long tradition of bronze casting which can be traced back over more than two millennia to the ancient nok people, who lived on the plains of jos and the yoruba people who flourished between the 10th and the 19th centuries in the south and west of nigeria.
The controversial mask of benin the washington post. Royal arts of a west african kingdom art institute. The powerful ancient benin kingdom was founded by the son of an ife king in the early 14th century ad. Made in 1893 made in italy african woman clay sculpture edmonia lewis history. Benin oba commemorative heads as a result of the abrupt and violent manner in which most royal art forms of the kingdom of benin were removed from their original context by the british in 1897, there is a dearth of documentation to situate individual works historically. Not only to the people of the benin kingdom, but to africa in general. The agboghidi mask is a detailed piece made by the father of master bronze caster nosa omorodion. The obas also supported guilds of artistschief among them brass casters and.
Its brass smiths and bronze casters excelled at making naturalistic heads, basreliefs, and other sculptures. Our products are unique, hand picked, museum quality pieces. Some are purely realistic, others rigorously stylised. George has taken up our huge history lesson challenge. The benin bronzes are among africas most important works of art. Long in exile, the looted benin bronzes tell the story of a mighty african kingdom. This sumptuous photographic book showcases a series of specially taken photographs of key. Benin bronze figures which served as royal ornaments are the indigenous cultural art. Find out what bronze is made up of with fun facts from dk find out.
Apr 21, 2015 although the exact origins of voodoo are unknown, it is generally agreed that this religion has its roots in west africa. Benin went into decline during the 18th century ce as the kingdom was racked by civil wars, and it was ultimately conquered by the british in 1897 ce. Aug 21, 2008 benin royal arts of a west african kingdom by kathleen bickford berzock 1 was produced to accompany at the art institute of chicago the exhibition, benin kings and rituals. Bronze heads, leopards, masks, plaques and other unique sculptures are produced using the most basic of tools by these talented casters.
Collectively, the objects form the best known examples of benin art, created. Two benin bronzes in londons british museum black history books, art history. Join in the celebration of hundreds of years of cultural richness and artistic excellence. The metal required for the production of the benin bronzes was acquired in a form known as manilla. Bronze casting in edo was established in the 14th century by oba oguola.
Benin bronze mask the story of bronze age from the year 1200. A glimpse of a thriving ancient civilisation, these resources include information on the bronze plaques and art of benin, gallery activities to engage students and a guide for teachers, featuring primary history schemes of work. We feature over 500 authentic african tribal masks, sculptures, and bronzes for sale. The eyeholes and the holes in the mask for strings of beads or raffia attachments indicate that it was worn in some ceremony. The benin bronzes are a collection of more than 3,000 brass plaques from the royal palace of the kingdom of benin, located in presentday nigeria. Figurative greek sculpture was often painted, chiefly on the eyes and mouth, to give a realistic. Antique african guro tribe zamle society antelope mask cote divoire yqz. These items were subsequently meted down by highly talented individuals in benin city and created the benin bronzes. Queen idia was the mother of oba esigie, one of the strongest kings of the great benin kingdom.
The benin bronzes, some of africas greatest treasures, were looted. The visage presented by my african terracotta workout buddies is totally nonjudgemental, and allows me to fall from lofty goals on occasion like the hot cross bun six pack vs the six pack abs i strive for. From the 15th through the 18th century benin carried on an active trade in ivory, palm oil, and pepper with portuguese and dutch traders, for whom it served as a link with tribes in the interior of western africa. As readers may recall, this exhibition started in vienna, went to paris and berlin and will end in chicago. Ancestors, spirits and god history of africa with zeinab badawi episode 8 duration. African bronzes bronze sculptures, figures, and prestige. Due to the collecting habits of museums in europe and north america, the most common objects associated with the benin bronzes are plaques and commemorative head sculptures. Ife, which flourished between the 11th and 15th centuries, emerged as a major power in the forested areas west of the niger and south of edo pendant maskedo pendant mask of the queen. There exist also a small number of masks made of raffia, leather, tortoise shell, etc. Two of the hundreds of benin bronzes looted by the british army during an 1897 raid have been returned to nigeria, leading to calls for more repatriations.
Chapter 2 the masks of africa california state university. Equestrian oba and attendants ere ibeji figures yoruba peoples kingdom of ife. The art of benin is very complet concerning the kingdom benin history. The authenticity of african sculptures henri kamer. Chapter 2 the masks of africa outline origins of african masks african world view.
Aug 08, 2017 the metal required for the production of the benin bronzes was acquired in a form known as manilla. Jun 24, 2018 one benin bronze a sculpture in the shape of a cockerel even found its way to the dining hall of jesus college, cambridge, after being bequeathed in the will of a former british army officer. Although frequently described as benin bronzes most plaques are made of leaded brass in varius composiitons. The benin bronzes are among africas most important works.