Africa’s Metal Masters: The Benin Empire That Shocked the World

Описание: The Benin Empire was one of the most advanced civilizations in pre-colonial Africa, yet its story is rarely taught in schools.

In this documentary, we explore the Benin Empire of West Africa, located in present-day Nigeria, and its world-famous artworks known as the Benin Bronzes. These bronze, brass, and ivory masterpieces displayed a level of metalworking skill so advanced that 19th-century Europeans were shocked when they first encountered them.

Using the lost-wax casting technique, Benin artists created highly detailed sculptures, plaques, and royal figures centuries before Europe believed Africans were capable of such mastery. When British forces invaded Benin City in 1897, thousands of these artworks were taken and scattered across museums around the world.

This video breaks down:

The rise and structure of the Benin Empire

The role of the Oba and royal art guilds

How the Benin Bronzes were made

Why Europeans refused to believe Africans created them

The global legacy and ongoing debate over their return

This is not just art history.
This is African history, innovation, and truth.

If you enjoy documentaries about ancient African civilizations, lost empires, and forgotten history, this video is for you.