Benin Plaques
- Gallery: Room 25
- Made in: Benin City
- Date: 16thC-17thC
- Object type: plaque
- Materials: brass
- Museum number: Af1898,0115.73
- Museum: The British Museum
- Collection record: British Museum website
- Image © The Trustees of the British Museum, shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 licence.
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About this object
This is a Benin Plaque from Benin City, an extraordinary work in brass made using the lost-wax casting method. The plaque is rectangular with decorative side edges and a finely detailed background featuring river leaf patterns and tiny dot textures.
The composition shows two standing figures. The figure on the left is a warrior with a braided hairstyle, holding a sword and wearing layered regalia, including a leopard pelt and a beaded collar. The figure on the right is shown holding a leopard-skin-covered object, suggesting ceremonial or royal importance. Fine details like braided hair, elaborate ornaments, and layered clothing show the high level of craftsmanship.
These plaques once adorned the palace of the Oba, the king. Though often called "Benin Bronzes," they are typically made of brass with lead. Created in the 16th to 17th centuries, the plaques reflect the royal life of the Benin Kingdom. Many were brought to Britain after the 1897 British expedition.
Take a closer look — each element tells a story of artistry and history.
See it in person
Benin Plaques is on display in Room 25 at the British Museum on Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury, London — free to enter. Choose British Museum on audioguide.london and take a photo of it to hear this free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
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