What is special about Benin?
Artists of the Benin Kingdom were well known for working in many materials, particularly brass, wood, and ivory. They were famous for their bas-relief sculptures, particularly plaques, and life-size head sculptures. The plaques typically portrayed historical events, and the heads were often naturalistic and life size.
Why is the Benin Kingdom important?
Under these obas Benin became a highly organized state. Its numerous craftsmen were organized into guilds, and the kingdom became famous for its ivory and wood carvers. Its brass smiths and bronze casters excelled at making naturalistic heads, bas-reliefs, and other sculptures.
What did the ancient Benin eat?
The main crop of ancient Benin was the yam. Other crops included palm oil, beans, okra, melons and peppers. People supplemented their diet with bush meat and fish.
Who made the Benin flag?
Admiral F. W. Kennedy
A red wool bunting flag with a linen hoist, machine sewn with a rope halyard attached. The design is applied in white fabric with painted details, representing a naked man decapitating another with a sword. The flag was said to have been brought back by Admiral F. W. Kennedy from the 1897 Benin expedition.
Who found Benin Kingdom?
Oranmiyan
Present day Benin
| House of Eweka | |
|---|---|
| Current region | Niger Delta |
| Founded | c.12th century |
| Founder | Oranmiyan |
| Current head | Ewuare II |
What animals live in Benin?
Its varied animal life includes elephants, leopards, lions, antelope, monkeys, wild pigs, crocodiles, and buffalo. There are many species of snakes, including pythons and puff adders. Birds include guinea fowl, wild duck, and partridge, as well as many tropical species.
What was the Kingdom of Benin famous for?
The kingdom of Benin, in West Africa , was at the height of its power in the 14th and 15th centuries. It was famous for casting beautiful bronze and brass statues. Most of its bronzes were for ceremonial use.
What country is the Kingdom of Benin located in?
Historical Overview. The Kingdom of Benin was located near the southern coast of West Africa in a region which is today southern Nigeria (the modern state of Benin is further along the coast to the west and named after the Bight of Benin ). The territory is a mix of rainforest, dry forest, and mangrove swamp.
How did Kingdom of Benin start?
The kingdom of Benin began in the 900s when the Edo people settled in the rainforests of West Africa. By the 1400s they had created a wealthy kingdom with a powerful ruler, known as the Oba .
What are the gods of Benin?
Olokun was a very popular god. As well as ruling the ocean, he was the god of wealth. Other popular gods were Ogun the god of iron and warriors and Osun the god of medicine and magic. People believed that the Obas of Benin were the direct descendants of Osanobua, the creator god. The Obas were all worshipped as gods.