Benin Answers

Ancient Benin was located in modern day Nigeria. It was surrounded by forests and an ocean. Benin had an ample supply of wood, which was used in its artwork. The kingdom changed its environment and built a three-mile long wall around the capital. Forest areas and desert areas were the main environment for Benin. It also had southern access to the Bight of Benin for water transportation. The people did not change the environment much.

In 1170 C.E. Oranmiyan, a prince from Ife, founded the Benin Kingdom. His son became the first Oba (king). For over 600 years Benin was an organized, prosperous empire. In 1897 an official British delegation was ambushed en route to the kingdom. This led to its downfall because the British burned all the palaces, put the Oba in exile, and took over the kingdom. Benin is now a republic. It established many commercial and diplomatic relations with Portugal. The king was the political and religious leader. They had a Queen and a hereditary council. The British stole thousands of objects from the palaces.

Women and men were separated in the royal family, only men could be an Oba. Benin was based on farming villages for its economy. Benin traded pepper, ivory, and slaves to neighbors in the Savanna. Later they traded palm oil, and textiles with the Savanna. Women were traded. Women soldiers (Amazons) were recruited by Benin for regular service in the military. Women planted, harvested, processed food products, carried wood, did household chores, and raised the children.

The Oba was not only the monarch but also an important religious leader. Lots of sculptures and busts were made of the rulers.

The palace was decorated with elaborate brass plaques and sculptures. The palace was a religious place. They were polytheistic. They had a creator God that they called the Osanuba. They also made sacrifices to Gods. They believed in spirits, magic, and the power of witch doctors. Their royal art was created from ivory and bronze. Whenever a king or a major figure died, a beautiful commemorative head was cast out of bronze in his honor. Each piece of art depicted a different event in Benin's history. Many things including utensils and weapons have also been found. Some famous architecture that the kingdom of Benin had was palaces for the kings and queens to live in. Also found in the royal palace were eight wall-sized bronze plaques. Each plaque depicted kings, chiefs, and great warriors. Benin is mostly known for its statues and paintings.