Plaque 16th/17th century

This cast brass plaque was created by an Edo artist and would have once decorated the royal palace in the Kingdom of Benin, in what is now Nigeria. Imagine these plaques as storyboards, each a fragment of a larger narrative about power, lineage, and cultural identity. The figure here, likely a high-ranking warrior, stands with a commanding presence, his regalia and the objects he carries, speaking to his status and role within the kingdom. The plaque is a testament to the Edo Kingdom's sophisticated artistry and complex social structure, made during a period of intense cultural and political exchange with Europe. The warrior's image and its existence raise questions about how power is represented, the role of the artist in shaping historical narratives, and the impact of colonialism on indigenous art forms. Consider how this work prompts us to reflect on the legacies of colonialism and the importance of preserving and understanding diverse cultural histories.