Final answer:
The ritual vessels are associated with the Yoruba culture, which is noted for its intricate bronze sculptures used in ancestral rituals to seek blessings.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ritual vessels in question are closely associated with the Yoruba culture. These smaller bronze vessels were created with more delicate decoration and used in ancestral rituals to provide offerings such as wine, honor, and food, aiming to receive blessings in return. This tradition reflects the artistic heritage and cultural practices of the Yoruba, which saw a significant development of territorial city-states such as Ife, Oyo, and Benin around the 12th century. Subservience to clan or lineage gave way to loyalty to a monarch, or Oni, in these city-states. The fact that the focus of ritual shifted towards living rulers over ancestral spirits, with larger and more dramatic vessel designs for a broader audience, further indicates the evolution of Yoruba culture and religion. It is important to note that the Yoruba are well-known for their sophisticated bronze and brass sculptures, which were often symbolic of hierarchy and power within the society.