The Benin are known for their bronze work. The bronze casting had been a royal art. The bronze casters were assigned their quarters and made the bronzes solely for the King (Oba). Today these artists continue to cast bronze in Benin. The Benin kingdom was founded in the early 14th century. It is located in southern Nigeria. The art of bronze casting was introduced around the year 1280. The Benin bronzes are important historical evidence dating back several centuries into the West African past. In 1897 the British invaded and took over the Benin Palace where they found the amazing bronze work. Many pieces were shipped back to England and put on display in exhibitions and museums. The British invasion and removal of the art from the palace exposed the bronze masterpieces to the world. The plaques were originally cast in matching pairs. They were nailed to the walls in the palace used as decoration. This plaque dates post 1897 but they are not recent castings.
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