Embark on a captivating journey into the heart of the Benin Empire with Edo Brand’s “Benin Empire Series.” This series delves into the rich world of Benin art and symbolism, revealing the stories behind the incredible brass sculptures, elaborate altar pieces, and wooden staffs. Explore how encounters with Portuguese traders in the 16th century shaped Benin art, creating a visual record of their world.
Discover the meaning behind the figures, from court officials to the powerful Oba and Queen Mother, and the symbolic animals like leopards and roosters. Uncover the secrets of lost-wax casting, the techniques used by Benin artists to create these masterpieces. Learn how these art pieces served as visual reminders of power, status, and the very beliefs of the Benin people. Understand how these objects were used in ceremonies, rituals, and everyday life, bridging the gap between the living and the dead. Finally, confront the complex legacy of colonialism and the ongoing fight for repatriation of looted Benin art.
Join us to appreciate the beauty, complexity, and enduring power of Benin art, and why it continues to resonate across time and cultural boundaries.