Virtual Museum of African Diaspora
Virtual Museum of African Diaspora
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Benin
The Benin Kingdom is located in south-central Nigeria. An uneasy relationship with British colonial rule resulted in a Benin uprising. In retribution, the British sacked and looted the great treasury of the Benin Empire in 1897 and transported its riches to the British Museum. After the catastrophe at the hands of the British, the Benin people resumed their artistic output and continue to be famous for their cast bronze portraits. 
Equestrian figure
cast brass
19.5” tall


Portrait ofa an Oba (king)
cast brass
12” tall

This

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Portrait ofa an Oba (king)
cast brass
16” tall
Portrait ofa an Iyoba (queen mother)
cast brass
17” tall