Benin Bronze Plaque: Warriors

This Benin Bronze plaque depicts warriors in full regalia, part of a series that originally decorated the wooden pillars of the Oba's palace. Created around 1550 CE, these brass relief plaques documented court ceremonies, military achievements, and historical events. The figures wear elaborate coral bead regalia, carry weapons, and display the hierarchical composition typical of Benin court art.

Hundreds of plaques lined the palace columns, creating a visual chronicle of Benin history that impressed European visitors. Portuguese traders appear in some plaques, documenting the kingdom's international connections. The high-relief casting technique required outstanding skill, with figures emerging dramatically from flat backgrounds.

British soldiers removed the plaques during the 1897 expedition, selling them to fund the military operation. This example is now at the British Museum.