The Benin Bronze Heads, crafted between the 13th and 19th centuries, are masterpieces of brass and bronze artistry from the Kingdom of Benin (present-day Edo State, Nigeria). Created by royal guilds to honor past Obas (kings), they adorned ancestral altars in the royal palace. In 1897, during the British punitive expedition, thousands were looted and dispersed to museums and private collections across Europe and America. Today, these remarkable artifacts stand as symbols of African sophistication, artistry, and resistance. Their global journey has sparked a powerful restitution movement, with museums now beginning to return them to their rightful home in Benin City.
Benin Bronze Heads
Categories:
Related Post
Queen Amina of Zazzau: Warrior, Empire Builder, or Myth?Queen Amina of Zazzau: Warrior, Empire Builder, or Myth?
Introduction: Nigeria’s Warrior Queen Few figures in Nigerian history spark as much fascination and debate as Queen Amina of Zazzau. Known as a fearless warrior, empire builder, and political
Nok Terracotta HeadsNok Terracotta Heads
The Nok Terracotta Heads, dating from around 1000 BCE to 300 CE, are among Africa’s oldest known sculptures, discovered in central Nigeria. Created by the ancient Nok civilization, these expressive
The Aba Women’s Riot of 1929: Nigeria’s Forgotten Feminist RevolutionThe Aba Women’s Riot of 1929: Nigeria’s Forgotten Feminist Revolution
Introduction: When Women Rose Up In 1929, southeastern Nigeria witnessed one of the most remarkable uprisings in African history — the Aba Women’s Riot, also called the Women’s War.