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Nairaland Forum / Nairaland / General / Culture / Benin Art And Architecture (209964 Views)
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Re: Benin Art And Architecture by Acapulco1: 10:04am On Jan 19, 2012 |
Hello I have this snakes head and wondered if anyone can tell me info and how old it is please.
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Re: Benin Art And Architecture by nkante: 11:00pm On Feb 02, 2012 |
Hello Folks, I just came across this site a few days ago. I fell in love with the Benin Empire when I saw my first bronze plaque of a warrior. Physics, the way you interpret the bronzes is great. I belong to a living history society and I have been studying the bronzes for a few years now trying to determine how warriors armed and dressed themself. Your observations are great, but I would disagree about them using chain mail. I think mail would have been portrayed as dots or circles, just as the leopards spots are represented as circles. I believe the long studded robes are constructed with beads. If you look at bronze heads, coral beads are represented as cylinders. If you look at the beaded anklets worn by many of the figures, they are also represented as cylinders. These same shapes are repeated in the robes. I have come across references of leopard, crocodile and pangolin hides being used as armor,but never heard of elephant being used. It would make sense though, seeing as how ivory was used in jewelry and ancestral heads. I'm a member of a Medieval History Society, and I portray a Benin warrior.
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Re: Benin Art And Architecture by PhysicsQED(m): 12:14am On Feb 05, 2012 |
Hey, nkante, it turns out chain mail was exported from Europe to West Africa, not just to Benin, and also two hauberks are preserved in the palace of Owo to this day: books.google.com/books?id=EUBeZE-63JAC&pg=PA78 (There was also an article written by Robert Smith on these two hauberks preserved in Owo, although I haven't read it: "A Note on Two Shirts of Chain Mail in the Palace at Owo in South western Nigeria" (1971)) There's a photograph of a chain mail fragment taken from Benin that's kept in the Museum für Völkerkunde Wien (Museum of Ethnology) in Austria on page 305 of the book Benin: Kings and Rituals: Court Arts from Nigeria by Barbara Plakensteiner and O.J. Eboreime. I haven't scanned and uploaded it like I said I would because I was busy. By the way, if you're interested in trying to interpret the Benin art, I strongly suggest not just trying to do it yourself or from what you see on the internet. Get the aforementioned book (Benin: Kings and Rituals) from a library or amazon and look through the book, especially the "Catalogue" section forming the second half of the book and read the comments of specialists that have devoted much of their careers to the art. There are approximately between 2,400 (Felix von Luschan's estimate, based on works that had reached Europe by 1918 ) to 4,000 (Phillip Dark's estimate) pieces of historical (pre-colonial, not modern) Benin art (bronze, ivory, wood, etc.) scattered in museums across the world according to that book, and there is no way one is going to ever see them all. That book I mentioned "only" has about 300 images of different Benin art, in addition to many historical photographs, but it also has the most detailed, accurate and comprehensive analysis of the art that exists so far from what I've seen. If you can't get Benin: Kings and Rituals, then I suggest getting the book Royal Art of Benin: The Perls Collection in the Metropolitan Museum of Art by Kate Ezra. That is the second best book on Benin's art and it has approximately 200 images and a few photographs as well, although the organization and analysis of the art is significantly inferior to that of Benin: Kings and Rituals. As for the mail vs. beads, I don't think that the central figure in this (the individual wearing the horsetails on his helmet): ![]() is wearing beads in his outfit. Also this individual (probably a king, (and identified by modern scholars and their informants as Oba Ozolua) depicted in at least two plaques meant to portray the exact same figure): ![]() [img]http://1.bp..com/_u_KW4nuKg9k/SMNHYEE_4uI/AAAAAAAAFyk/_LMfItG5BzE/s320/ben104.jpg[/img] is wearing an outfit that is depicted in a different manner than the other depictions of people wearing beads. That said, you may be right about this individual: ![]() wearing beads and not chain mail (maybe just an outfit for a war ceremony). Anyway, the possible absence of depictions of chain mail in art wouldn't necessarily mean that it wasn't used, since there is already that tradition about Oba Ozolua, and there is already chain mail taken from Benin that is being kept in a museum today. Benin warriors are not shown using cannons on any Benin plaques, but there is extensive evidence that cannons were used (one can check p. 464 to p. 465 of that book I referenced above for images and details) by the Benin army in certain later centuries (18th century, for example). In fact, there are even cultural remnants of the traditional use of cannon among some Esan communities: http://ihuanedo.ning.com/group/healtheducation/forum/topics/traditional-uses-of-owewe-cannon-in-idumebo-and-orhua-of-edo?xg_source=activity |
Re: Benin Art And Architecture by PhysicsQED(m): 12:25am On Feb 05, 2012 |
Acapulco1: All of the other snake's heads that I've seen from Benin have more polish and finesse to their appearance than that. I'm not sure that that's a historical (not modern) piece of Benin art just from looking at the picture you posted, although thermoluminescence analysis might say something entirely different . You should go to an art historian specializing in West African bronze/brass art and get it checked out if you're serious, rather than relying on anonymous commentators on the internet. |
Re: Benin Art And Architecture by Nobody: 9:06pm On Mar 04, 2012 |
Why in hell would so called "civilised" people burn such an ancient, beautiful and amazing city. |
Re: Benin Art And Architecture by PhysicsQED(m): 10:54pm On Mar 04, 2012 |
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Re: Benin Art And Architecture by PhysicsQED(m): 10:57pm On Mar 04, 2012 |
![]() ^^^ Probably either a depiction of Oranmiyan of Ife/Oyo or of the Atta of Igala. Or it could be somebody else entirely. |
Re: Benin Art And Architecture by PhysicsQED(m): 11:44pm On Mar 04, 2012 |
Re: Benin Art And Architecture by PhysicsQED(m): 11:46pm On Mar 04, 2012 |
Re: Benin Art And Architecture by PhysicsQED(m): 11:52pm On Mar 04, 2012 |
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Re: Benin Art And Architecture by PhysicsQED(m): 11:59pm On Mar 04, 2012 |
![]() Figure: Horn Player Date: 1550–1680 Geography: Nigeria, Court of Benin Culture: Edo peoples Medium: Brass Dimensions: H. 24 13/16 x W. 11 9/16 x D. 6 3/4 in. (63 x 29.4 x 17.2 cm) Classification: Metal-Sculpture Credit Line: The Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Collection, Gift of Nelson A. Rockefeller, 1972 Accession Number: 1978.412.310 |
Re: Benin Art And Architecture by PhysicsQED(m): 12:10am On Mar 05, 2012 |
![]() Side-blown Trumpet (akohen) Date: 18th–19th century Geography: Nigeria, Court of Benin Culture: Edo peoples Medium: Ivory Dimensions: Length 14-1/2 in. Classification: Bone/Ivory-Musical Instrument Credit Line: Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Klaus G. Perls, 1991 Accession Number: 1991.17.109 |
Re: Benin Art And Architecture by PhysicsQED(m): 12:12am On Mar 05, 2012 |
![]() Side-Blown Trumpet (Oko) Date: 19th century Geography: Nigeria, Court of Benin Culture: Edo peoples Medium: Ivory Dimensions: Length 14-1/2 in. Classification: Bone/Ivory-Musical Instrument Credit Line: Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Klaus G. Perls, 1991 Accession Number: 1991.17.107 |
Re: Benin Art And Architecture by PhysicsQED(m): 12:14am On Mar 05, 2012 |
![]() Eroro Date: 19th century Geography: Nigeria Culture: Benin Medium: Brass Dimensions: H. 17.8 cm (7 in.); Base; 10.3 cm (4 in. square) Classification: Idiophone-Struck Credit Line: The Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments, 1889 Accession Number: 89.4.2604 |
Re: Benin Art And Architecture by PhysicsQED(m): 12:18am On Mar 05, 2012 |
![]() Altar Bell: Fish-Legged King Date: 18th–19th century Geography: Nigeria, Court of Benin Culture: Edo peoples Medium: Brass Dimensions: H. 5 3/4 x W. 2 5/8 x D. 2 5/8 in. (14.6 x 6.7 x 6.7 cm) Other: W. 2 5/8 x D. 2 5/8 in. (6.7 x 6.7cm) Classification: Metal-Musical Instrument Credit Line: Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Klaus G. Perls, 1991 Accession Number: 1991.17.86 |
Re: Benin Art And Architecture by PhysicsQED(m): 12:21am On Mar 05, 2012 |
![]() Bracelet: Three Heads Date: 18th–19th century Geography: Nigeria, Court of Benin Culture: Edo peoples Medium: Brass, copper alloy Dimensions: Diameter 4-5/8 in. Classification: Metal-Ornament Credit Line: Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Klaus G. Perls, 1991 Accession Number: 1991.17.82 |
Re: Benin Art And Architecture by PhysicsQED(m): 12:25am On Mar 05, 2012 |
Plaque Fragment: Warrior Date: 1550–1680 Geography: Nigeria, Court of Benin Culture: Edo peoples Medium: Brass Dimensions: H. 16 1/2 x W. 11 15/16 x D. 2 1/2 in. (42 x 30.3 x 6.4 cm) Classification: Metal-Sculpture Credit Line: The Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Collection, Gift of Samuel Rubin, 1962 Accession Number: 1978.412.473 [note: the "Warrior" figure of this plaque, is a past Iyase of Benin] |
Re: Benin Art And Architecture by PhysicsQED(m): 12:27am On Mar 05, 2012 |
![]() Plaque: Iyase with Sword and Attendant Date: 1550–1680 Geography: Nigeria, Court of Benin Culture: Edo peoples Medium: Brass Dimensions: H. 15 3/4 x W. 7 1/4 x D. 2 1/2 in. (40 x 18.4 x 6.4 cm) Classification: Metal-Sculpture Credit Line: The Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Collection, Gift of Nelson A. Rockefeller, 1972 Accession Number: 1978.412.320 |
Re: Benin Art And Architecture by PhysicsQED(m): 12:30am On Mar 05, 2012 |
![]() Plaque: Warrior Date: 16th–17th century Geography: Nigeria, Court of Benin Culture: Edo peoples Medium: Brass Dimensions: H. 17 in. (43.2 cm) Classification: Metal-Sculpture Credit Line: Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Klaus G. Perls, 1991 Accession Number: 1991.17.12 |
Re: Benin Art And Architecture by PhysicsQED(m): 12:39am On Mar 05, 2012 |
[img]http://images.metmuseum.org/CRDImages/ao/web-large/1978.412.334a,b_a.JPG[/img] [img]http://images.metmuseum.org/CRDImages/ao/web-large/1978.412.334a,b_c.JPG[/img] [img]http://images.metmuseum.org/CRDImages/ao/web-large/1978.412.334a,b_b.JPG[/img] Vessel: Ram's Head Date: 18th–19th century Geography: Nigeria, Court of Benin Culture: Edo peoples Medium: Wood Dimensions: H x W x D: 6 9/16 x 4 1/4 x 11 13/16in. (16.7 x 10.8 x 30cm) Classification: Wood-Container [Edit: I see that the images are no longer showing. Here's a link to the source: http://www.metmuseum.org/Collections/search-the-collections/50003356?rpp=20&pg=4&ft=Court+of+Benin&pos=76] |
Re: Benin Art And Architecture by PhysicsQED(m): 12:44am On Mar 05, 2012 |
![]() Waist Pendant: Crocodile Head Date: 16th–19th century Geography: Nigeria, Court of Benin Culture: Edo peoples Medium: Brass, copper alloy Dimensions: Height 7-1/2 in. Classification: Metal-Ornament [Edit: I see that the image is no longer showing so here's a direct link: http://www.metmuseum.org/Collections/search-the-collections/50009189?rpp=20&pg=8&ft=Court+of+Benin&pos=159] |
Re: Benin Art And Architecture by PhysicsQED(m): 12:50am On Mar 05, 2012 |
![]() Bracelet: Leopard Heads and Ceremonial Swords Date: 17th–19th century Geography: Nigeria, Court of Benin Culture: Edo peoples Medium: Brass, gilt Dimensions: Length 5-3/8 in. Classification: Metal-Ornament [Edit: I see that the image is no longer showing so here's another direct link: http://www.metmuseum.org/collections/search-the-collections/50009212] |
Re: Benin Art And Architecture by PhysicsQED(m): 12:52am On Mar 05, 2012 |
![]() Bracelet: Crocodile and Leopard Heads Date: 16th–19th century Geography: Nigeria, Court of Benin Culture: Edo peoples Medium: Brass Dimensions: H. 1 3/4 x Diam. 4 in. (4.4 x 10.2 cm) Classification: Metal-Ornament |
Re: Benin Art And Architecture by PhysicsQED(m): 1:01am On Mar 05, 2012 |
![]() Box: Oba Ozolua and Unidentified Oba Date: 19th century Geography: Nigeria, Court of Benin Culture: Edo peoples Medium: Wood, sheet metal Dimensions: H. 14 3/4 x W. 3 7/8 x D. 2 5/8 in. (37.5 x 9.9 x 6.7 cm) Classification: Wood-Container |
Re: Benin Art And Architecture by PhysicsQED(m): 1:02am On Mar 05, 2012 |
![]() Altar Tusk Date: 18th–19th century Geography: Nigeria, Court of Benin Culture: Edo peoples Medium: Ivory Dimensions: H. 45 9/16 x W. 2 1/8 x D. 5 1/4 in. (115.8 x 5.4 x 13.3 cm) Classification: Bone/Ivory-Sculpture |
Re: Benin Art And Architecture by PhysicsQED(m): 1:05am On Mar 05, 2012 |
![]() Altar Tusk Date: 18th century Geography: Nigeria, Court of Benin Culture: Edo peoples Medium: Ivory Dimensions: H. 74 x Diam. 6 1/2 in. (188 x 16.5 cm) Classification: Bone/Ivory-Sculpture |
Re: Benin Art And Architecture by PhysicsQED(m): 1:08am On Mar 05, 2012 |
![]() Rattle Staff: Hand Holding Mudfish (Ukhurhe) Date: 16th–19th century Geography: Nigeria, Court of Benin Culture: Edo peoples Medium: Brass Dimensions: H. 59 1/4 in. (150.5 cm) Classification: Metal-Sculpture |
Re: Benin Art And Architecture by PhysicsQED(m): 1:10am On Mar 05, 2012 |
![]() Staff for Oba's Representative Date: 18th–19th century Geography: Nigeria, Court of Benin Culture: Edo peoples Medium: Brass Dimensions: Height 33-1/2 in. Classification: Metal-Sculpture |
Re: Benin Art And Architecture by PhysicsQED(m): 1:12am On Mar 05, 2012 |
![]() Rattle Staff: Three Figures (Ukhurhe) Date: 19th century Geography: Nigeria, Court of Benin Culture: Edo peoples Medium: Wood, pigment, cowries, brass bell Dimensions: Height 60 in. Classification: Wood-Sculpture |
Re: Benin Art And Architecture by PhysicsQED(m): 1:18am On Mar 05, 2012 |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Rattle Staff: Oba Akenzua I Standing on an Elephant (Ukhurhe) Date: 1725–50 Geography: Nigeria Culture: Edo Medium: Bronze, copper, iron Dimensions: H. 63 1/2 x W. 1 7/8 in. (161.3 x 4.8 cm) Classification: Metal-Implement 'In the Benin kingdom of southern Nigeria, rattle staffs, or ukhurhe, are an essential feature of Benin ancestral altars, whether for kings, chiefs, or commoners. These staffs have a hollow rattle chamber near the summit, and they are shaken while uttering prayers at the altars to attract the attention of the ancestors. Ukhurhe may be made of wood or brass, although the brass examples are found only on royal altars. This staff was created to memorialize Akenzua I, an oba (king) who ruled the Benin kingdom in the early eighteenth century. A rebel chief called Iyase n'Ode challenged Akenzua's reign and civil war ensued. With the help of his military commander, or ezomo, Akenzua ultimately emerged victorious, and the iconography displayed on this ukhurhe refers to this military triumph. In Benin, elephants are a traditional symbol of chiefdom and, according to Benin oral literature, Iyase n'Ode had the ability to change himself into an elephant to vanquish his enemies. Here, Oba Akenzua stands triumphantly on an elephant holding a miniature ukhurhe and a stone axe head, an object associated with warfare and death. Leopards, the preeminent symbol of royalty in Benin art, flank the elephant on either side to suggest the oba's ability to regulate the power of his chiefs. Swords of authority called eben appear in relief along the shaft of the ukhurhe, and toward the bottom a crocodile, representative of the water deity Olokun, indicates the importance of overseas trade to the prosperity of Akenzua's kingdom. At the base of the staff, a second elephant most likely represents the ezomo; his trunk ends in a human hand holding medicinal leaves, a motif in Benin art representing victory and power.' |
Re: Benin Art And Architecture by PhysicsQED(m): 1:21am On Mar 05, 2012 |
![]() Staff: Seated Oba Date: 18th–19th century Geography: Nigeria, Court of Benin Culture: Edo peoples Medium: Brass, iron Dimensions: H. 25 1/4 x W. 3 1/8 x D. 3 1/8 in. (64.1 x 7.9 x 7.9 cm) Classification: Metal-Sculpture |
Re: Benin Art And Architecture by PhysicsQED(m): 1:23am On Mar 05, 2012 |
![]() Staff Fragment: Seated Oba Date: 18th–19th century Geography: Nigeria, Court of Benin Culture: Edo peoples Medium: Brass, iron Dimensions: H. 13 1/2 x W. 2 3/8 x D. 3 3/8 in. (34.3 x 6.1 x 8.6 cm) Classification: Metal-Sculpture |
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