The Kingdom Of Benin: Trivia Facts Quiz!

This plaque shows a royal queen or princess with plaited hair with her bust clearly visible; she is wearing a long-sleeve gown. She holds a cane in one hand, indicating that she must have been a teacher at the royal palace school.

The statement is true because it mentions that regular contact between the two countries lasted for over four hundred years. This implies that there was consistent and ongoing communication, interaction, and engagement between the two countries for an extended period of time, indicating a long-standing relationship between them.

During the 15th and 16th centuries, the Benin king supplied Portuguese traders with various valuable commodities. Pepper, ivory, rubber, and leopard skin were highly sought after by European traders due to their rarity and high market value. These goods were in demand for their use in luxury goods, fashion, and medicinal purposes. Slaves were also a significant part of the trade, as they were captured and sold to European traders as a labor force for plantations and mines in the Americas. Sugar cane, although not mentioned in the question, was also a significant commodity in the transatlantic trade, particularly in the later period.

As this plaque shows, the Oba and two of his military soldiers are accompanied by two young bearers; most likely palace apprentice.

The Benin bronzes are a collection of bronze sculptures and plaques that were created by the Edo people of Benin (now Nigeria) during the 14th century. These artworks are highly valued for their artistic and historical significance, as they provide insight into the rich cultural heritage of the Edo people and their advanced metalworking techniques. The 14th century is considered the peak of artistic production for the Benin bronzes, making it the most likely time period for their creation.

European merchant ships first arrived along the coast of West Africa in the 15th century. This was the time when European exploration and colonization was expanding, and countries like Portugal and Spain were venturing out to find new trade routes and resources. The 15th century marked the beginning of the Age of Discovery, and it was during this time that European ships made contact with the West African coast, leading to increased trade and the eventual colonization of the region.

Benin kings used the plaques to record the varied activities and achievements of the kings and their chiefs. The plaque records include and show individual soldiers from their very skilled and well-trained army; whose job it was to defend the kingdom and protect neighboring countries against attacks from others e.g. mahogany-colored raiders from the North.

The Portuguese first arrived in the coastal territories of Benin in 1489.

Benin has largely retained its customs over generations, it is therefore still possible to work out what the scenes in the plaques recorded. As the plaques were intricately done, they worked like photographs and this makes it possible today to identity members of the royal court and items represented. This was simply an amazing feat of achievement by the royal bronze casters. This practice continues today though not to the same degree of quality.