Final answer:
The subject of this question is History, specifically the history of the Benin empire and the artistic traditions of the Edo peoples in Nigeria. It pertains to a brass plaque in the British Museum depicting an Oba with Europeans. correct option is D.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject of this question is History. Specifically, it pertains to the history of the Benin empire and the artistic traditions of the Edo peoples in Nigeria. The question refers to a brass plaque in the British Museum depicting an Oba with Europeans, which is representative of the opulent lifestyle of the rulers of Benin during the 16th century.
The Benin Bronzes are historical brass plaques and sculptures from the Benin Empire, documenting the luxury of rulers and their encounters, like the 'Oba with Europeans' plaque. Created using the lost-wax method, they were looted by the British in 1897 and now reside in museums.
The Benin Bronzes are a collection of intricately designed brass plaques and sculptures that hail from the former Benin Empire, located in what is now Nigeria. An important example of these artworks includes the 'Oba with Europeans' brass plaque from the 16th century CE, found in the British Museum. Central to their art and culture, these historical pieces not only showcase the opulence of the Benin rulers but also document interactions, such as those with European merchants, and the lineage of the Oba dynasty through visual narratives. Created using the lost-wax method, the brass plaques lined the palace walls, while the bronze sculptures played a ceremonial role and were commissioned solely by the Oba himself. During the British invasion of 1897, many of these artifacts were looted from the kingdom and later displayed in museums like the British Museum and the Ethnological Museum in Berlin.