Head of an Oba of Benin. Source – Flickr
When it comes to art, certain pieces become iconic over time. The Benin Bronze Head is one of those pieces. This head has been shrouded in mystery for centuries, with historians and art experts unable to determine its true origin. But now, new research has shed some light on the matter – and it turns out the Bronze Head maybe even more mysterious than we thought.
An unknown artist created the Benin Bronze Head during the reign of King Esigie (1504-1550), the first Oba (king) of the Kingdom of Benin. The head is solid brass and depicts a man wearing earrings with an aquiline nose, high cheekbones, and a solemn expression. It is believed to be a portrait of King Esigie, although this has yet to be confirmed.
The head is a powerful symbol of wealth and power. It was created by the Edo people of the Benin Kingdom in what is now modern Nigeria. The piece is cast bronze and measures just over 18 inches tall. It also has intricate details, such as facial scars and hair styled in traditional Edo fashion. The bronze heads contain holes filled with ivory tusks. These tusks are engraved with historical events from the Oba’s reign.
Benin Bronze Plaques. Source – Wikimedia Commons
The head was probably displayed in a prominent place in the royal palace, where it would have been seen by everyone who entered. It is a reminder of the wealth and power of the Edo people and is still revered today as an essential cultural artifact.
There is a belief that bronze heads were made to honor deceased individuals. The dead’s political and occupational status influenced the material used in the head. Wood, terracotta, and bronze were used for bronze casting. There is no generally accepted origin for bronze casting in Benin. It is an alloy of copper and zinc.
The Portuguese and Benin people were involved in trade and commerce in the 15th and 16th centuries. As a result, the Bronze and Copper that were used to create Benin sculptures may have come from here. Benin art also depicted the Portuguese, which is worth noting.
Benin Bronzes. Source – Wikimedia Commons
The Bronze Head was discovered by British soldiers in 1897 during a military expedition to Benin City, which was then part of the British Empire. The piece was brought back to Britain and has been displayed at the British Museum since 1899. The Benin Bronze Head is one of Africa’s most famous works of art and is considered a masterpiece of Bronze Age art. There is a growing movement to have the Benin Bronzes returned to Nigeria. As more and more people become aware of the history of these objects, it is becoming increasingly difficult for European museums to justify keeping them.
There are several reasons why the Benin Bronzes should be returned to Nigeria:
- They are an essential part of Nigerian history and culture.
- The Benin people never consented to the Bronzes being taken away.
- The conditions under which the Bronzes are being kept in European museums could be better.
They are often displayed without context, leading to misconceptions about their meaning and significance.
Sources
https://www.pulse.ng/lifestyle/food-travel/5-amazing-facts-about-the-benin-bronze-head
Uju Nwagu is a social media manager and content creator at FunTimes Magazine. She is also in charge of creating comics along with producing videos and other materials used for content marketing. Uju currently resides in Lagos, Nigeria. She has a Master’s degree in Human Nutrition from the University of Ibadan. Her passion is music. She is a faithful chorister, belonging to a few choral groups (her alumni group inclusive).You can connect with her on Instagram @juby_lindas.
