WEEK 10

TOPIC: Significance of Benin (Edo) Culture in Nigerian

1. The artwork of Benin reflects the rich history, culture and tradition of the Benin people. These were projected in the carvings of their heroes, ancestral gods and festivals. Benin bronzes were produced for the kings.

2. It projected the Benin people and Nigeria to foreign countries. Benin bronze works are one of the best-known of all Nigerian artworks. The looting of the treasured artworks during the British invasion led to the popularisation of the Benin artworks globally.

3. It exposed one of the earliest civilisations in Nigeria to the outside world. People have come to appreciate the people who produced beautiful objects with the advanced technology of casting in Los, and who could organise themselves in craft guilds to promote and protect their trade.

4. The Benin culture depicts the historical relationship between Benin and other Nigerian peoples such as the Yoruba, Igbo and peoples of the Nok area. The similarities between the Benin and Ife bronzes.... View More