The Benin Bronzes

Here are four videos that show some Benin Bronze plaques and ivory artwork at the British Museum London, United Kingdom. These plaques tell a full and rich narrative of the Benin Kings accomplishments over centuries.

Their delicate and intricate 3D features make them a marvel to behold, little wonder the British could not resist them those many years ago; they are awesome. Have a peek:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHzIlFmURl0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWNDM8buP7g

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rmLDdzMLZE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDlj8f7Y3Fo

They need to be seen for full appreciation of their cumulative value.

You can see the British Museum collection online on this link: http://www.britishmuseum.org/research/search_the_collection_database/search_results.aspx?orig=%2Fresearch%2Fsearch_the_collection_database.aspx&searchText=benin+bronzes+&fromDate=&fromadbc=ad&toDate=&toadbc=ad&x=7&y=10

©The Trustees of the British Museum

Or better still, see them in person at:

British Museum
Great Russell Street
London
WC1B 3DG

Below are links to two great teaching resources produced by the British Museum; be sure to try them out or simply read them for general information about the Great Kingdom of Benin.

Teachers’ notes:

The Wealth of Africa: The Kingdom of Benin:

http://www.britishmuseum.org/pdf/KingdomOfBenin_TeachersNotes.pdf

Students’ worksheets:

http://www.britishmuseum.org/pdf/KingdomOfBenin_StudentsWorksheets.pdf

Benin: An African Kingdom: http://www.britishmuseum.org/pdf/british_museum_benin_art.pdf