CHAPTER ONE
BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY
Introduction
The study examines the origin and development of Benin arts like bronze casting, coral beads, and wood carving and their political, economic, and socio-cultural roles in the pre-colonial Benin Kingdom from 1440 to 1897. The arts were not simply for decoration but were also a part of the economy, and spirituality of the people and an indicator of their rich culture.
Benin art gained popularity between 1440 and 1897 in southern Nigeria as a courtly art that was mostly bound to religious and traditional values. Benin Kingdom was a pre-colonial African kingdom in present-day southern Nigeria renowned for possessing highly skilled artists who created symbolic and highly ornate pieces of art. One of the most typical features of Benin art is its bronze casting tradition, one of the kingdom’s finest cultural heritages. The bronze plaques, statues, and figurines typically depicted royalty, warriors, and gods and goddesses and were historical and ceremonial. Aside from bronze casting, coral beads were likewise highly valued in the Benin Kingdom, symbolising wealth, status, and authority. They were worn by the Oba (king), the chiefs, and the nobles to signify their divine right and their connection with the spiritual world. Wood carving was likewise highly valued in the kingdom, producing highly decorated masks, figurines, and ornamental designs utilized in rituals, ceremonies, and palace decorations.
These arts together were more than artistic representations; they were at the centre of political stability, economic wealth, and cultural identity for the Benin Kingdom. They upheld social hierarchy, maintained historic memories, and served religious rituals, and thus became a part of Benin’s heritage.1 ‘The Art of Benin’ is functional, historic and symbolic to the people of Benin. It touches all parts of the lives of all the people of the kingdom. It expresses the roles and ranks of the chiefs, titleholders, priests, and court officials, attendants who constitute the kingdom’s complex administrative and ritual hierarchy. The kingdom’s art is renowned for its intricate craftsmanship, religious symbolism, and royal patronage.2 Benin arts primarily include coral beads (ivie), bronze/brass sculptures, and wood carvings, which served political, spiritual, and decorative functions. Historically, artistic production in Benin was deeply tied to the monarchy, with successive Obas (kings) playing a significant role in the development of artistic traditions. From Oba Ewuare the Great (1440–1473) to Oba Ovonramwen (1888–1897). 3
The establishment of specialized guilds, such as the Igun Eronmwon (bronze casters) and Igbesanwan (wood carvers), ensured a high standard of artistic excellence. During the 1440–1897 periods, Benin arts flourished as a medium of royal authority and historical documentation.4 Bronze plaques and statues were crafted to honor Obas, while coral beads became symbols of divine kingship and wealth.5 Wood carvings adorned palaces, shrines, and ancestral altars, demonstrating the kingdom’s sophisticated artistic traditions.6 However, the British Punitive Expedition of 1897 resulted in the looting of thousands of Benin artworks, dispersing them to museums across Europe and America. It was by the British force of 1,200 men under Sir Harry Rawson. It came in response to the ambush and slaughter of a 250 strong party led by British Acting Consul General James Phillips of the Niger Coast Protectorate.7
Statement of Problem
Benin arts have been studied under a number of themes and the significant part of the themes were centred on the religious purpose of Benin art leaving out the economic and aesthetics purposes; which this study seeks to investigate.
Aims and Objectives of the Study
The aim of this study is to examine the origin of Benin arts, development and their contributions to the ancient kingdom of Benin. The objectives were to:
- critically examine the history of Benin art.
- develop a comprehensive understanding of the origin and development of Benin art.
- examine the Benin arts and their significance.
- examine Benin arts and the British arts Expedition 1897.