SLIDE 3 Plaque, Edo kingdom of Benin, Nigeria, co. 1600

WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT AFRICA? In West and Central Africa there is a long tradition of great kingdoms with highly developed governmental and social systems. Many beautiful and elaborate art objects have been created for the royal courts of West and Central Africa. This example of royal art is from the kingdom of Benin, in present-day Nigeria. It is made from cast bronze. Bronze is an expensive material and is often used in court art. The figure represented is probably a royal attendant to the Benin Court. Supported on the figure's shoulder is a water vessel in the form of a leopard. The leopard is a royal emblem of kingly power. The plaque is pierced at the four corners so that it could be attached to the wooden pillars of the royal palace. Traditionally art of these kingdoms has been commissioned by governments and has served the purpose of enhancing and maintaining the status of rulers. PART 1-PAGE 3 OF 4

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