Final answer:
The Kingdom of Benin was known for its advanced metalworking technology, particularly with bronze, using the lost-wax casting method to create intricate artworks that held cultural and ritual significance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Kingdom of Benin, which flourished in what is today Nigeria, was renowned for its sophisticated technology in metalwork, specifically with bronze. The artisans of Benin were adept in the lost-wax casting method, which involved creating detailed sculptures and plaques by first shaping beeswax models of their designs. These beeswax models were then covered in clay and molten bronze was poured into the mold, creating intricate bronze artworks upon cooling. Their art, which often depicted the divine god of Oba and his dynasty, was not only aesthetically magnificent but also held significant cultural and ritual importance.
Only the Oba, the ruler of Benin, or someone designated by him, could commission these exquisite bronze pieces, which were primarily kept within the royal palace. These intricate bronzes were not merely decorative but were crafted to honor the king, his ancestors, and the elite, and were used during various ceremonial events. The bronze artwork of Benin stands as a testament to the extraordinary skill and the high level of artistic achievement reached by the guilds under the patronage of the Oba.