Glencoe World History © 2008

Chapter 7: Early African Civilizations

Web Activity Lesson Plans

Benin Bronzes

Introduction

In the 1400s, Portuguese explorers searching for a route to India came upon the African kingdom of Benin. The beauty of Benin artwork stunned the Portuguese, and they took samples home. Today Benin artworks are among the most prized African art in the world. Despite the Western passion for Benin art, Benin’s greatest patrons have always been their own kings. Throughout Benin history, the king held a monopoly on materials made of bronze and ivory. In this activity, students will learn about and examine Benin bronzes.

Lesson Description
Students will read about the history of Benin’s bronze artworks and analyze various bronze castings. Students will answer five questions about what they have read.

Instructional Objectives

1. The learner will be able to summarize the history and art of bronze casting in Benin.
2. The learner will be able to identify historical bias toward West African craftsmanship.

Student Web Activity Answers

1. The art of bronze casting was introduced around the year 1280.



2. “Benin-style” art was court art commissioned by the king (oba), who employed a guild of artisans to make the bronzes. Bronze figures ordered by the king were kept in the palace.



3. The article mentions brass heads, plaques in relief, bells, rattle-staffs, small expressive masks, plaquettes, chests in the shape of palaces, animals, cult stands, and jewelry. The oba used the bells and rattles to call his ancestor’s spirit. The oba then offered sacrifices to the spirit and to the earth on the altar.



4. The British supposed that the objects must have been made by the Portuguese, the ancient Egyptians, or even the lost tribes of Israel.



5. Figures of a leopard were the sole property of the oba, because the leopard symbolized the fierceness and military prowess of the king. Students’ choices for their own animal symbol and explanations will vary.