Explore the Background of this artwork.
The kingdom of Benin existed in the southwestern region of Nigeria in modern Edo state, Nigeria. According to scholars the kingdom of Benin (also known as the Edo Kingdom, or the Benin Empire) originated around the year 900 by the Ogiso kings, it is said between the eleventh and the thirteenth a member from the Oba dynasty would take control of the state. This dynasty would rule until 1897 when the British occupied the kingdom of Benin in February 9. The kingdom reached its peak during the rule of Ewuare the Great, he ruled from 1440 to 1473. King Ewuare expanded its natural borders and introduced wood and ivory carving to the kingdom. One of the first recorded visits to Benin City was made by Portuguese explorer, João Afonso de Aveiro in 1486. After contact with the Portuguese the Benin Kingdom established a strong mercantile relationship with Portugal and later other European states. They traded slaves and Beninese products such as ivory, pepper, gold and palm oil for European goods such as manillas, metals and guns. In addition they established diplomatic relations in the late 15th century, the Oba sent an ambassador to Lisbon, and the king of Portugal sent Christian missionaries to Benin City in 1486.
Portugal Benin City Edo state British occupied the kingdom of Benin pepper gun Portuguese kingdom of Benin Nigeria Ewuare the Great Ewuare ivory palm oil João Afonso de Aveiro Lisbon gold Christian manillas