In 1897, a collection of African bronzes arrived in London, creating quite a stir. Many European scholars were skeptical, doubting that the skilled artisans of the lesser-known Benin Kingdom in Nigeria could have independently mastered the intricate art of bronze-casting. David Attenborough explores the origins of these bronzes and the “lost wax” technique, tracing them back to the talented craftsmen of Ife, a revered town of the Yoruba people, which predates any European influence by a century. The episode showcases stunning portrait busts, plaques, and figures that vividly depict the rich court life under the powerful Obas of Benin.
Show
The Tribal Eye
Episode
S01E04
Air Date
Jun 17, 1975