A Benin bronze or metal plaque
- Date:
- 1898
- Reference:
- OFH01/01/01/F10/06
- Type:
- Photograph (Negative)
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Description
'Benin Bronzes' were created in the West African Kingdom of Benin (now part of the Federal Republic of Nigeria) from the 16th century onwards. They were often crafted to adorn ancestral altars or for rituals to honour the ancestors and mark the accession of a new Oba (king) in Benin City. The bronzes can provided an important historical record of the Kingdom of Benin, illustrating its dynastic and social history.
This photograph was taken in 1898 just a year after the capture of Benin City by British Forces. During the occupation there was widespread destruction and pillage of Benin's monuments. The shrines of the Royal Palace were looted and thousands of objects were taken to the UK as 'spoils of war'. A number of these found their way into the collections of the British Museum. Some were acquired by other museums or individuals.
Content
This is part of the Sub Series: OFH01/01/01 Negatives taken by William Field; within the Series: OFH01/01 Negatives originating from William Field; within the Collection: OFH01 Douglas Harrod, E P Olney and William Field Collection
Rights
Source: Historic England Archive
People & Organisations
Photographer: Field, William O
Keywords
Cultural Diversity, Art And Design, Colonialism
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