LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Benin: Oba Palace
built 273 days ago
The palace in Benin was the height of a complex feudal society characterized by widespread competition for power, prestige and wealth. The arrival of the Portuguese around 1485 created a new era of prosperity and rapid expansion. The Portuguese provided economic and militaristic strength for the kingdom, acting as a conduit for overseas trade and fighting in Benin military campaigns.
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The tradition of brass casting at Benin is believed to date from the 14th century. Memorial heads were among the earliest metal castings made by craftsmen at Benin. The heads were placed on semi-circular platforms which served as altars in the royal courtyard. During annual rituals the paramount ruler (oba) paid homage to deceased rulers, each at his own altar. It was through these rituals that the living monarch gained access to the spiritual power of his predecessors... assuring prosperity for the kingdom.
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The majority of everyday Benin objects were made for and associated with court ceremonies. The figures of a leopard were the sole property of the oba – the leopard was the royal animal. Pectorals, hip and waist ornaments in the shape of human or animal heads were worn either by the oba or by major dignitaries. Brass staffs and clippers surmounted by birds appeared during commemorating ceremonies.
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Benin royal art is primarily made of ivory and bronze. Ivory carving has been part of court life since the early 12th century. In the past, all trade in ivory was controlled by the Oba, and any hunter who killed an elephant was obliged to give one of its tusks to the palace. In this way the rulers of Benin amassed huge stocks of ivory, to be carved by the Igbesanmwan, the herediatry guild of ivory carvers. Ivory's ritual importance stems from its color, orhue (chalk), considered the perfect symbol of purity, prosperity and peace.
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Bronze pieces from the Benin kingdom are known the world over. Almost all their art was created to honor the king , or Oba, who has reigned, with his ancestors, from the 15th century. Styles have changed over the years. Although similar to many older works, these are all 20th C. pieces. Each is still sculpted by hand, then cast in bronze by the lost wax process. Figures that do not depict the king show members of his court.
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With the backing of the monarchy selected artists of Benin developed a special style of sculpture vastly different from the rest of the region. They produced many fine bronze and or brass heads, figurines, brass plaques, and large rectangular metal pictures, which were used to decorate the Oba's palace.
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Oba Palace