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How did Benin become more powerful by the 15th Century?

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Public Domain

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Public Domain

Benin

Benin, located in West Africa, rose to become one of the most powerful kingdoms before and during European contact.

Here we take a brief look at how it became so powerful. We will focus on one of its most powerful leaders, Oba Ewuare, who ruled over Benin during a period of modernisation, territorial expansion and increased trade in Africa and beyond. 

Power!

In the 15th Century, power was curtailed by a band of chieftains. However, under the leadership of Oba Ewuare, Benin expanded.

 

Ewuare took the Benin crown by force in 1440 and expanded the kingdom soon afterwards. He introduced primogeniture* and centralised power to himself through the role of Edaiken or Crown Prince.

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Ewuare forcibly captured 201 towns and villages. He took their rulers captive, and he caused the people to pay tribute to him.

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Primogeniture is where the right to succession belongs to the firstborn child.

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Ewuare's actions caused an expansion of Benin. This expansion brought a flourishing of art to Benin, most notably in the creation of the Benin Bronzes.

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The Bronzes also tell a contemporary story of Benin, showing its leader, social strata, local animals and later ones show trade with Portuguese traders. 

 

  

Trade

Benin was a trading nation which eventually brought it to the notice of European countries. Benin was using various forms of currency before European contact such as manilla, cowrie shells, iron and copper. This tells us that trade was a long-distance affair.  â€‹


Enslaved people were also traded. Enslaved people were traded in many directions in this area at this time. Different from later enslavement involving Europeans, people were enslaved though ‘warfare between West African Kingdoms, banditry, judicial enslavement for crimes such as adultery or witchcraft, or sale to clear debts.’ Historians Ade and Crowder note, some ‘rose to prominence or became heroes and founded lineages of leading officials.’

Over to You!

Did you know? 

Benin Bronzes...

The Bronzes were made by first making a model out of wax. This model was then covered with clay to create a mould. When heated, the wax melted away to be filled with metal. The clay was removed leaving richly detailed artefacts. This technology was unknown to European cultures at this time.

Image of bronzes

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Jastrow (2006) Benin Kingdom Lovre - public domain

History Detective challenge 

Research images of the Benin Bronzes. 

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Make notes on what you see. 

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What can you learn about Benin society in the 1500's?

Hints

 

Research images of the bronzes. 

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What can you see?

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What are the people doing?

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What are they wearing?

 

What animals can you see?

 

Zoom in on the images you research, what fine detail in the bronzes can you see?

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What might the bronzes tell you about Benin?

 

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Image provided by the Great North Museum: Hancock, managed by Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums on behalf of Newcastle University. 

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Brass staff with bird finial

Final thoughts...

The Benin Bronzes are an amazing testament to the power of Benin in the 1500s. Just appreciate them for what they are. 

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You may have seen the Benin bronzes recently. In 1897 they were stolen from Benin by British soldiers. There are some that have been returned. Many are scattered around Britain and the world. Keep your eyes peeled!

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The Great North Museum in Newcastle has one Benin bronze and is working hard to return it. 

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Read more about the museum's work and the bronze here

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