Benin Plaques
- Gallery: Room 25
- Made in: Benin City
- Date: 16thC-17thC
- Object type: plaque
- Materials: brass; iron
- Museum number: Af1898,0115.50
- 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.
Listen to the free audio guide
About this object
Before you is a "Benin Plaque," a work of remarkable artistry and history. It is made using the lost-wax casting technique in brass, with fine detailing such as river leaf patterns and small dots covering its surface. At the center stands a high-ranking figure, possibly Oba Ozolua, holding a sword and a spear, while wearing a detailed beaded costume and a decorated tunic featuring snakes.
Flanking the central figure are two warriors, each with armor and distinctive headgear, and a pair of attendants wearing patterned helmets and skirts. One figure holds gongs, the other plays a horn. These scenes capture Benin court life and its powerful leadership. The plaque was likely part of royal palace decoration in Benin City during the 16th or 17th century. Crafted by Edo artisans, these plaques offer a rare view into this rich culture's artistic traditions and court hierarchy.
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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