Ep 2: Kingdom of Benin
The Real Black History
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2m 11s
The Kingdom of Benin, a powerful empire in present-day southern Nigeria. From the 13th century, the kingdom flourished under the rule of the Oba, a monarch whose authority extended across politics and spirituality.
At the heart of this empire were the legendary artisans of the royal guilds, crafting intricate bronzes and plaques that told stories of power, legacy, and divine connection. These masterpieces were historical records and sacred symbols of the kingdom’s identity.
But the brilliance of Benin was overshadowed in 1897, when British forces invaded, looting thousands of cultural treasures and devastating the city. This act of colonial theft scattered the Benin Bronzes across Europe and ignited debates that continue today about restitution and cultural justice.
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