The Kingdom of Benin (located in the southern forests of Nigeria) introduced their bronze art in the year 1280 AD. In 1897, a British expedition stripped the palaces of many thousands of Benin bronzes. However the style continue to be made. And, now many original bronzes have been returned.
When the Benin Kingdom disappeared, the Yoruba people continued to produce this style as “royal art of Benin” bronzes.
In the last 15 years demand for these bronzes have skyrocketed.
Stand not included.