Step into a time machine and journey to the heart of the Benin Empire with this episode exploring the Oba’s Palace and its mesmerizing brass plaques. Discover how these aren’t just decorative pieces, but intricate artworks that offer a glimpse into a lost world. Learn how these plaques, created through the complex technique of casting, depict war exploits, court life, and spiritual beliefs. Explore the symbolic meaning of figures such as warrior chiefs, priests (Ooton) and even Portuguese visitors, as well as motifs like the mudfish.
Uncover the multiple purposes of the plaques, from commemorating historical events to reinforcing social order and transmitting cultural values. This episode reveals how the plaques were active participants in the political, social, and religious life of the Benin court, and continue to speak to us today, centuries later. Join us to explore these remarkable works of art that challenge our assumptions about history and invite us to consider the lives, beliefs, and creative expressions of the Benin people.