Plaque, possibly 1500s-1600s. Hundreds of brass plaques with figures in high relief once covered the wooden pillars of the palace courtyard. It cannot be confirmed whether the depicted scenes reflect rituals or ceremonies, or tell stories about historical events. Imported as a result of overseas trade with Europe, brass was the ultimate sign of wealth and the exclusive property of the king.

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Size: 3130px × 5000px
Photo credit: © Heritage Images / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: 16th-17th, art, benin, brass, century, cleveland, coast, edo, guinea, heritage, kingdom, metalwork, museum, nigeria, possibly, unknown