Benin: Royal Arts of a West African Kingdom - Brossura

Bickford-berzock, Kathleen

Brossura

ISBN 10: 0300136773 ISBN 13: 9780300136777

Casa editrice: Art Inst of Chicago, 2008

Riassunto

In the late fifteenth century, the Kingdom of Benin (located in present-day southwestern Nigeria) established a mercantile relationship with Portugal, significantly increasing its wealth and might. Benin became a regional powerhouse and under a long lineage of divine rulers, or obas, it wielded great economic and political influence. The obas also supported guilds of artists, chief among them brass casters and ivory carvers, whom they employed to produce objects that honoured royal ancestors, recorded history, and glorified life at court. The sophisticated creations of Benin's royal artists stand among the greatest works of African art.This stunning book features a selection of Benin's extraordinary artworks that range from finely cast bronze figures, altar heads, and wall plaques to ivory tusks, pendants and arm cuffs embellished in detailed bas relief. An insightful essay outlines the kingdom's history and sheds light on these masterworks by describing their production and function in the context of the royal court.

Su questo libro

Product Description:

Book by Bickford Berzock Kathleen

Su questa edizione

• Editore: Art Inst of Chicago
• Data di pubblicazione: 2008
• ISBN 10: 0300136773
• ISBN 13: 9780300136777
• Rilegatura: Copertina flessibile
• Numero di pagine: 35