The Royal Art of BeninFound in southwestern Nigeria

-Objects consist of commemorative busts and ritual items for members of the royal family

Vast majority of art made in bronze, terracotta, and ivory Early Period (Warrior Kings 1450-1575 i.e 600-400 B.P )

Middle Period (Plaque Period, 1575-1700 i.e 400-300 B.P )Late Period (Restoration Period 1700-1897 i.e 300-100 B.P )

Style ElementsThin castings,

Busts depict beaded collarsDelicately rendered features

Careful attention to details, in terms of surface ornamentationBust of Kings and Queen-mothers

Plaques, animal imagery etc.

Head,Early Period,500-600 B.PBronze, 8.1/4in.

Head of an Oba,Late Period,Bronze, 18 in.

Head,Early Period,Terracotta, 8.1/4 in.

Head,Early Period,Bronze, 9.1/2 in

Queen Mother Head,400 B.PBronze, 20 in.

Warrior Chiefs, Bronze Plaque, 400-300 B.P, 18.7/8 in

Warrior and Attendants,Plaque Period,Bronze, 21.in

Portuguese Soldier,Plaque Period,Bronze

Musicians,Plaque(Middle) Period,Bronze, 19.1/8 in

Plaque depicting two men on a swing, Middle Period, Bronze, 16.15/16 in.

Court Attendants, Plaque Period, Middle Period,Bronze, 19.1/4 in.

Bracelet, Portuguese heads with mudfish, Brass, 16th-18th century, 5.3/8.in

Saltceller,Ivory,15-16th century7.1/2 in

Mask,Ivory,16th century,

Handheld clapper with Queen mother,Ivory, 18th-19th century, 12.1/4 in.

Hand held clapper,Ivory,18th-19th century13.3/4 in.

Pair of bracelets, horsemen and standing figures,Ivory, 5.3/8 in.

Altar Tusk,Ivory,.Late Period, 73.3/4 in,

Crocodile, Plaque Period, Bronze, 15.9/16 in.

Leopards, Early/Middle Period, Bronze, 27.3/16 in.

Intertwined Mudfish, Middle Period, 13.3/8.in

Rooster,Late Period,Bronze, 19.7/8 in.

Vessel,Middle Period,Bronze, 8.7/8.in

Place Messenger,Middle Period,Bronze, 25 in.

Summary