ART AND THE STATE: THE ART OF BENIN

OBJECTIVES:

1. Be able to discuss the main contributions of Benin to bronze casting.

2. Be able to discuss the function and role of the art of Benin in developing the mythology of the state.

3. Be able to discuss representations of the Oba and of the queen mother in the art of Benin, and the symbolism associated with them.

4. Be able to discuss portrayals of the Portuguese in the art of Benin, and the interpretation of the artisans of Benin of the relationship of the Portuguese to the Oba of Benin.

5. Be able to discuss the mythology of the Oba of Benin, and its representation in art.

OUTLINE

I. Mythology of Benin

A. History

i) the rulers of the sky
ii) the Oba from Ife
iii) Eweka I
iv) reforms of Ewedo
v) Oba Ewuare

a) the palace walls and delineation of Oba's power
b) the coral bead regalia

B. Government

i) fiefs
ii) tribute
iii) trade

C. Customs and beliefs surrounding the Oba

i) eating
ii) sleeping
iii) The Child of the Sky
iv) spiritual intermediary
v) court rituals

a) Ugie Erha Oba: tribute to ancestors

i) mock battles

b) Igue: driving out of evil forces

II. Mythology in Art

A. Bronze Heads

i) what the head symbolizes
ii) where placed and what used for
iii) necklaces
iv) three marks above eyes
v) iron pupil
vi) projections on the crown

a) the ceremonial swords
b) the mudfish

vii) Ivory tusks

B. The Mudfish Plaques

i) its characteristics and abilities
ii) the Oba's power
iii) Olokun, God of the Sea
iv) curled-leg Obas and mythology

a) The Oba Ohen

v) mudfish staff

III. The Arrival of the Portuguese

A. The Age of Discovery

B. Portuguese in Benin in the 15th century

C. They came from the sea

i) Olokun
ii) muzungu: sea monster
iii) Christian practices

D. Portuguese impact on African art

i) manillas
ii) growth of bronze casting
iii) appearance of Portuguese

a) facial hair and other western features
b) resemblance to ceremonial swords

iv) shape and designs on bronze plaques
v) Portuguese on ceremonial bracelets
vi) Portuguese on ceremonial bells
vii) Portuguese on ceremonial chairs

a) possible European influences

viii) Portuguese an ancestral tusks

a) as priests

ix) other depictions of Portuguese: size
x) The Iwoki Guild and Portuguese dress

a) firearms
b) Ava and Uti
c) depictions

xi) overall impact of the Portuguese

a) coral bead regalia and trade
b) Oba and coral beads
c) hats
d) horses

xii) What the Portuguese took from Benin to Portugal

a) depictions on various works according to the traditions of Benin

IV. Later History of Benin

A. British expedition in 1897

B. Restoration of Oba of Benin