|
Benin sculpture was highly influenced under the patronage of the monarchs of Benin. The monarchs of Benin brought in the sculptors and influenced the sculpture of Benin to a great extent.
Benin sculpture was very different from the other regions in their expert employment of designs. They made very beautiful pieces of bronze articles. These included brass heads, armlets, chests, masks, bells, jewelry, plaquettes of belt and so on. The sculptors of Benin also made wonderful items from ivory like spoons, masks, animal figures, beakers, etc. Large rectangular metal pictures were made by them that were used to decorate the King's (Oba) palace.
The British people were astonished to see the artistic splendor of the bronze made articles of Benin when they invaded the city in the 19th century. The sculptural works of Benin are now classified into early, middle and late century.
One of the great sculptural expertises can be found in the bronze head of the Queen mother. The sculptures of Benin are renowned all over the world. For getting a glimpse of these sculptural works, one needs to go to London because the British took away a lot with them.
It can be said that the Benin sculpture were matchless in their employment of highly intricate designs.
|
