By Ojogho Chidiebere (Mrs)
NCMM, Abuja
October 27, 2025
Introduction
The ancient Benin Kingdom, located in present-day Edo State, Nigeria, was one of Africa’s most sophisticated precolonial states. At its heart stood the Oba—a divine king whose authority was both political and spiritual.
More Than Decoration: The Significance of Benin Art
Benin’s art, particularly the internationally famous Benin Bronzes, are far more than mere decorations.
Crafted mainly by the royal guild of brass casters using the lost-wax method, these works served as:
- Deep historical records
- Spiritual tools
- Symbols of authority
They adorned palace walls, altars, and shrines, vividly depicting Obas, queens, warriors, and sacred animals.
The 1897 Looting and The Debate on Restitution
In 1897, a British Punitive Expedition invaded and brutally looted Benin City, taking thousands of these irreplaceable treasures. These artifacts were dispersed to museums and private collections worldwide.
Today, the fate of these masterpieces remains at the heart of global debates on restitution and cultural justice, as nations and communities seek the return of their heritage.
Iconic Works of the Benin Kingdom
The kingdom’s master artisans produced a diverse array of iconic works in bronze, brass, and ivory, each holding a specific historical and spiritual meaning:
| Artifact | Meaning and Significance |
| Bronze Heads of the Oba | Idealized portraits of past kings, embodying the continuity of divine rule. |
| Mask of Queen Idia | A carved ivory masterpiece celebrating female political power and Benin’s contact with Europe. |
| Bronze Mudfish | Speaks to the Oba’s dual nature as both human and spirit, living in water and on land. |
| Equestrian Bronze Figure | A rare image of mounted power in the rainforest, signifying wealth and military command. |
| Ikegobo (Altar of the Right Hand) | Honor personal achievement and success, sanctified by the gods. |
| Carved Ivory Tusks | Vertical histories depicting royal processions, rituals, and the Oba’s authority. |
| Coral Beads | Sacred regalia from the sea god Olokun, marking royalty and ancestral protection. |
| Bronze Bracelets | Both adornment and currency, bearing royal and spiritual motifs. |
| Asoro & Arhuanran | Bronze depictions of legendary warriors who shaped Benin’s history. |
| Benin Plaques | Visual chronicles of court life, diplomacy, and ceremonial events. |
| Bronze Cockerel | Symbol of vigilance and ritual awakening. |
| Leopard Figures | Royal totems representing kingship, justice, and strength. |
About the Author
Ojogho Chidiebere is a cultural researcher and a Curator with the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, (NCMM) Abuja.
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