Plaque: Warrior and Attendants 1500 - 1700

Curator: Immediately I’m struck by the hieratic quality of the figures, this rigid formality reminiscent of medieval depictions of power. Editor: Precisely. What we are looking at here is a bronze plaque titled "Warrior and Attendants," dating from 1500 to 1700. These plaques, created by Edo artists, once adorned the royal palace in the Kingdom of Benin, modern-day Nigeria, now part of the collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Curator: Benin plaques always give the impression of immense royal authority through symbolic association. The central figure dominates, radiating strength. I find myself dwelling on the careful arrangements of supporting figures which amplify his significance. It recalls images of emperors from various eras in world history! Editor: Absolutely, this plaque offers valuable insights into Benin’s court life. What looks chaotic is, on the contrary, deliberately placed to underline royal ideology. The organization is strictly according to rank: each character's location and size are telling indicators of their significance in the Benin hierarchy. Curator: Tell me, what is the story surrounding those raised objects behind and beside the primary personae? I imagine they serve to reinforce cultural memory. Editor: Good question! The details behind them suggest different lineages or deities supporting the Kingdom of Benin's divine king, or "Oba," underscoring that the ruler's strength comes not just from military prowess but also from spiritual forces. Note how the bronzes also illustrate interaction with Europeans: brass manillas acquired in trade were melted down to produce the plaques themselves. Curator: Fascinating. This complex visual narrative underscores how visual symbols help people process experiences and negotiate power structures. These figures, though stylized, clearly convey a message about a social hierarchy. This enduring impact on how subsequent West African visual art depicted historical narratives shouldn't be overlooked! Editor: Indeed. In sum, considering "Warrior and Attendants," the visual language it establishes speaks volumes not just of its era's aesthetics, but the intricate interplay of courtly ambition, cross-continental trade, and a potent articulation of political stability within Benin culture.