7.3 Benin Kingdom Art: Bronze Casting and Ivory Carving

Benin Kingdom's artistic traditions evolved from terracotta to bronze casting and ivory carving. Guilds of specialized artisans created intricate works commissioned by the Oba, reinforcing royal power through visual representation. These artistic periods spanned from simple forms to highly refined techniques.

Benin art techniques included lost-wax bronze casting and ivory carving. Symbolism in artworks depicted the Oba's divine status, royal power, and historical events. Colonialism disrupted traditional systems, leading to the dispersal of Benin artworks and ongoing debates about repatriation.

Historical Context and Artistic Traditions

Development of Benin Kingdom

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• Benin Kingdom established 12th century grew into powerful state in West Africa
• Oba Ewuare (15th century) expanded territory solidified political structure
• Artistic traditions evolved from terracotta and wood to bronze casting (13th century)
• Ivory carving techniques developed showcasing intricate craftsmanship
• Oba commissioned artworks reinforced royal power through visual representation
• Guilds formed specialized artisan groups (bronze casters, ivory carvers)
• Artistic periods: Archaic (12th-15th c) simple forms, Transitional (15th-16th c) more complex, Classic (16th-17th c) highly refined techniques

Artistic Techniques and Cultural Significance

Techniques in Benin art

• Bronze casting used lost-wax method:
  1. Create wax model
  2. Cover with clay mold
  3. Heat to melt wax
  4. Pour molten brass into mold
  5. Break mold and finish piece
• Ivory carving involved selecting tusks carving with specialized tools adding intricate details
• Materials: brass alloy for bronzes elephant ivory culturally significant
• Igun Eronmwon guild specialized in bronze casting passed down techniques
• Igbesanmwan guild focused on ivory carving maintained high standards

Symbolism in Benin artworks

• Oba depicted wearing coral bead regalia mudfish legs symbolized divine status
• Animals represented royal power (leopard) or deities (crocodile for Olokun sea god)
• Hierarchical compositions placed Oba centrally sized figures based on social rank
• Commemorative plaques recorded historical events royal achievements court life
• Symbolic objects included Ada and Eben swords representing authority leadership
• Religious motifs depicted deities ancestors used in altars shrines

Colonialism's impact on Benin art

• 1897 British Punitive Expedition looted royal palace destroyed artistic heritage
• Benin artworks dispersed to European American museums private collections
• Traditional patronage systems disrupted changed art production materials
• Debates on repatriation ethics provenance research ongoing
• Benin art recognized globally inspires modern African artists
• Western institutions preserve study Benin art through conservation exhibitions research