Search Results: Kingdom of Benin

The Kingdom of Benin, located in the southern forests of West Africa (modern Nigeria) and formed by the Edo people, flourished from the 13th to 19th century CE. The capital, also called Benin, was the hub of a trade network exclusively controlled...

The Oyo Empire flourished from the 17th to 19th century CE in what is today southwest Nigeria. The Oyo forged an empire thanks to their formidable cavalry units and so came to dominate other Yoruba peoples of the region. The Oyo Empire, with...

Ife (aka Ile-Ife) was an ancient African city which flourished between the 11th and 15th century CE in what is today Nigeria in West Africa. Ife was the capital and principal religious centre of the Yoruba kingdom of Ife, which prospered...

A cast brass plaque depicting warriors of the kingdom of Benin (13-19th century CE) in West Africa (modern southern Nigeria). The central figure is likely a king (Oba). From Benin City, 16th-17th century CE. Height: 47.6 cms (Metropolitan...

A carved ivory hip pendant in the form of a mask. The kingdom of Benin (13-19th century CE) in West Africa (modern southern Nigeria). With bronze and iron inlays. Possibly depicting Queen Idia. Benin City, 16th century CE. Height: 24.5 cm...

A cast brass head, probably of a king (Oba) and used as an altarpiece decoration. The kingdom of Benin (13-19th century CE) in West Africa (modern southern Nigeria). From Benin City, 16th-17th century CE. Height: 24 cms (British Museum...

A cast brass plaque perhaps commemorating rulers of the kingdom of Benin (13-19th century CE) in West Africa (modern southern Nigeria). From Benin City, 16th-17th century CE. Height: 45.5 cms (British Museum, London)

SUBSCRIBE to the OFFICIAL BBC YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/2IXqEIn LAUNCH BBC iPlayer to access Live TV and Box Sets: https://bbc.in/2J18jYJ Programme website: http://bbc.in/2pqRjCx David Olusoga discusses Benin bronzes created from...

The Middle Kingdom (2040-1782 BCE) is considered ancient Egypt's Classical Age during which it produced some of its greatest works of art and literature. Scholars remain divided on which dynasties constitute the Middle Kingdom as some argue...

In this gallery, we look at striking examples of art from across the African continent. In gold, stone and metals, ancient and medieval African artists have not only given us unique pieces of art to admire but their works are also an insight...