Question

How does the Art of the Kingdom of Benin reflect global cultural influences--either influences from elsewhere upon it, or from it influencing other continents? Your answer can look beyond its own era (because these works sometimes influence later eras).

one paragraph

Answer 1

Answer: The art of the Kingdom of Benin in Nigeria reflects global cultural influences. Neighboring societies, Islamic styles from North Africa and the Middle East, and European influences, especially brass casting techniques introduced by Portuguese explorers, all influenced Benin's art. European powers collected and displayed Benin's brass works in museums, which popularized its aesthetic qualities beyond Africa. Benin's art inspired modernist artists like Picasso and Matisse and helped shape modern art by exchanging artistic ideas between Europe and Africa.

Step-by-step explanation:

Answer 2

Answer: The art of the Kingdom of Benin reflects global cultural influences, including European, Islamic, and other African artistic traditions, and its influence can be seen in the work of contemporary African artists and in the appreciation of its art by people around the world.

Explanation: The art of the Kingdom of Benin, which is located in what is now modern-day Nigeria, reflects a range of global cultural influences.

One significant influence on the art of the Kingdom of Benin was its trade relationship with Europe. Beginning in the late 15th century, European traders, particularly the Portuguese, began visiting the region, and by the 16th century, they had established a significant trade network with the Benin Kingdom. The trade in ivory, copper, and later, slaves, brought new materials and artistic techniques to Benin. The metalworking techniques used in Benin's bronze and brass sculptures, for example, are believed to have been influenced by European techniques, such as lost-wax casting.

Another significant influence on Benin's art was the Islamic world, which the Kingdom of Benin had trade relationships with. This is evident in the ornamental designs and calligraphic inscriptions found on some of Benin's brass plaques and other works of art.

The Kingdom of Benin also had cultural exchanges with neighboring regions and peoples, such as the Yoruba and Igbo peoples, which had their own rich artistic traditions. These cultural exchanges influenced the art of the Kingdom of Benin in various ways, including the incorporation of elements from other African artistic traditions, such as masks and sculptures.

Additionally, the art of the Kingdom of Benin has had an influence on the art of other regions and continents. For example, Benin's brass plaques and sculptures, which depict everyday life and courtly activities, have been a source of inspiration for many contemporary African artists, as well as for artists in the Western world. Some of the sculptures have been repatriated to Nigeria, and they continue to be a source of inspiration and pride for the people of Benin and Nigeria.