TERA Gallery - African Art and Antiquities

"Altering The Way You View The World Of Art"
Type of Object:     
    Benin Plaque
    16th - 17th c.

    The extraordinary bronzes of the Benin kingdom in what is now
    Nigeria exhibit a virtuosity and sophistication of style that has
    astonished the Western world since they were visited in the 15th
    Century.

    Dating from the 16th and 17th centuries, these plaques were
    secreted in a storage room. It is thought that they were nailed to
    palace walls and pillars as a form of decoration or as references
    to protocol. They show the oba in full regalia along with his nobility,
    warriors and Portuguese traders. The most elaborate ones
    display a procession of up to nine people, while others depict only
    fish or birds. Despite the disappearance of the Benin kingdom,
    the Yoruba people living on its territory continued to produce
    artwork inspired by the great royal art of Benin.

    The people of Benin, called Bini, are descended from the Ife, also
    known for their remarkable bronzes. Almost all Benin art was
    created to honor the king , or Oba, who has reigned, with his
    ancestors, from the 15th century. Styles have changed over the
    years.


Ethnic Group:       
    The Benin Kingdon


Country of Origin:          
                                              Nigeria


Material::          
                                              Bronze


Dimensions:

Reference: