Benin Art Logic

The book delves into the socio-political context of the bronzes, examining their iconography, composition, and symbolic language to decipher their intended meanings. For example, the strategic placement of bronzes in palace architecture underscored royal power, while their use in diplomatic exchanges asserted Benin's status. Moving beyond traditional art historical analysis, the book incorporates perspectives from political science and material culture studies.

Benin Art Logic progresses by first establishing the historical context, then dissecting the formal elements of the bronzes, and finally exploring their political uses and historical narratives. By analyzing the bronzes alongside historical accounts and oral traditions, the book offers a comprehensive understanding of how art and statecraft were intertwined in the Benin Kingdom.