How did the Benin Bronzes end up in the British Museum?
The Benin Bronzes are cultural artefacts that have been created for thousands of years in the Kingdom of Benin, in modern-day Nigeria. They depict Obas, Queens, European traders and soldiers, and animals: they were commissioned by the Oba to record anything deemed significant, and are therefore historical records in their own right.They reflect highly skilled artistic techniques by African craftsmen and artists before European Imperialism.They are made from Bronze, but other similar items were also made from ivory (from elephant tusks). In 1897 after a British attack on Benin City many of these Bronzes were taken as spoils of war. Over 900 are to be found in the pocession of the British Museum to this Day.
On Thursday 10 February former Tallis student and Channel 4 presenter Keme Nzerem came in to do some workshops with our Year 8 history students to raise awareness of the Benin Bronzes and the impact of Colonialism. |
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