VART 1101 Chapter Lost Kingdoms of West Africa: Lost Kingdoms of West Africa
12 Oct 2018
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Document Summary
Where the human race began, but we know less of its history than anywhere else. British museum in london holds many items from ancient kingdoms. Benin: plaques with great detail and intricacy of clay mold casts (leopard, snake) Snakes: guardian of hogon, protects village leader. Trenches and walls protected city in 500-year old feat of engineering. Ruled by hereditary ruler and heredities, who believed that soul existed in animals, plants, etc. around us. Established a trade agreement w/ portuguese for metal (copper) British delegation ignored warnings from benin and tried to take over, and only 2/200 survived. A month later (1887), 1200 british soldiers came and took over. History is written by the artists -- guild of bronze casters. Exclusive group of craftsmen with high social status. 1914: ober and royal palace is rebuilt + british restored power, so benin not nonexistent for long. May have been the source of copper, but not the imagery, techniques, or symbolism.
