Books : Benin: Kings and Rituals
from: Snoeck Publishers
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Binding: Hardcover
Dewey Decimal Number: 709
EAN: 9789053496268
ISBN: 9053496262
Label: Snoeck Publishers
Manufacturer: Snoeck Publishers
Number Of Items: 1
Number Of Pages: 536
Publication Date: December 15, 2007
Publisher: Snoeck Publishers
Release Date: December 15, 2007
Sales Rank: 531656
Studio: Snoeck Publishers
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Product Description:
Published to accompany the major international touring exhibition which comes to Chicago in the summer of 2008, this monumental volume features more than 500 stunning reproductions alongside important new scholarship on the prized sculptures and carvings of the Benin Kingdom of sixteenth- through nineteenth-century West Africa (pre-colonial Nigeria). It brings together for the first time masterpieces that have been scattered all over the world since the end of the nineteenth century, while simultaneously documenting the fall of the independent Kingdom, its reconstitution in the twentieth century and its continued existence through today.
From elaborate bas-relief plaques to stately commemorative king's heads and towering elephant tusks embellished with detailed figurative scenes illustrating life at court and the heroic deeds of kings and warriors, the artworks gathered here glorified the king as the political and spiritual head of his people and honored his ancestors. The detailed workmanship and outstanding aesthetic quality of Benin's royal sculptures have been compared to the work of the celebrated Renaissance artist, Benvenuto Cellini. And their wealth of iconographic detail conveys the sumptuousness of the royal court and its historical importance as a regional powerhouse in the Benin (or Edo) era.
Average Rating: 
Rating: -
After my first overview of this book I knew I had to get to Chicago to see this incredible collection which is on display at the Institute of Art Chicago through September '08. I flew there from Houston two days ago, and it was worth every penny. The book and exhibition show examples of life, ceremonies, and art exquisitely colorful, illuminating and unique. The bronze castings date from the 16th century to 2006. Some of the pieces such as the exceptional bronze Queen Mother are so inspiring. Ivory and bronze pendants, Altar of the Hand bronze vessels,snake heads, Oba stools, an ivory double gong, the best bronze leopards I've ever seen,ivory and bronze salt cellars. This is really overwhelming, and the documentation is thorough and well organized. I'm so enthrawled with the artwork I can't take my eyes away to read all the information about the collection; it's so addictive. The container in the shape of a Palace building was a highlight to me because I've never seen anything like it before. I have about 70 books on African art. This is one of the very best.
Rating: -
Stating that this book is a masterpiece is an understatement. Certainly the best book I've bought about Benin City (pre-colonial Nigeria). The 500 color photos of the bas-relief plaques, heads and ivory are beautiful. This book is a great resource for the art of Benin City and its culture. When I received this book in the mail and started reading and viewing the photos, it took me on a journey of West African ancient history. I was not disappointed at all with this book.
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