Final answer:
The Altar bell from Benin with the face of a Portuguese soldier is a bronze artwork from the 16th-17th century, signifying the cultural exchange between Europeans and the Benin Empire. The bell, along with other artifacts, showcases the richness of the Benin civilization and the impact of European interaction.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Altar bell from Benin, dating to the 16th-17th centuries, is a testament to the interactions between the Portuguese and the people of the Benin Empire. The bell likely features the face of a Portuguese soldier, indicative of the European presence in Benin at the time and the influence they had on local art. Benin artists were known for their skill in working with bronze, a material that was imported from Europe. These artists employed their local techniques to create an array of items, from sculptures to plaques, and occasionally, these items depicted the European foreigners, sometimes as soldiers or merchants in the background of larger scenes.
The bronze pieces, along with the bell, were a demonstration of the wealth and opulent lifestyle of the Benin rulers. Sadly, many of these treasures were looted during the British occupation of Benin in 1897, and a significant number of them now reside in Western museums, such as the British Museum. The intricate design and craftsmanship displayed in such works reflect the cultural exchange and the sophisticated artistry of the Benin civilization during that period.