A major slave trading port, the home of voodoo and women warriors, Benin Kingdom was founded by the Bini or Edo people in 12th century Africa (The Benin 1). The capital of the Benin Kingdom was Benin City, what is modern Nigeria. Ruled by a line of kings known as Obas, the Benin Kingdom controlled that salve trade in Africa during its peak. The Benin Kingdom flourished during the period between the 15th and 17th centuries, and its rulers who were originally warriors evolved into more religious figures (The Benin 1). While the exact domain of the kingdom is not known, most historians argue it covered roughly the area of modern Southern Nigeria.
In the late 15th and early 16th centuries, Ozulua ruled the Benin Kingdom and expanded its trade relations with other regions such as Portugal. The Benin Kingdom would greatly benefit from this trade during from the 16th to 18th centuries, enabling it to exert an influence on other cultures as well as being transformed by then. The Benin Kingdom was also responsible for producing some of the finest examples of African art during this or any other period in history. This is especially true in its bronze and brass castings and ivory masks.
From ceremonial jewelry to warrior masks, the Benin people were highly skilled artisans capable of crafting beautiful brass figures or elaborate ceremonial jewelry that was hand cast and highly detailed. This analysis will discuss some of these artworks, including the materials, styles, and symbolism involved in their creation.
Like today’s global environment, markets and trade often drove culture as well as many other aspects of society in previous eras. For example, trade expansion during the 16th century allowed the Benin Kingdom to trade ivory, pepper, cloth, metals, and, from the 15th century, slaves (Benin 1). Metals were particularly important to the Benin people as well. This was true in terms of military pursuits, daily househol...