A superb statue of the Oba in war attire

War-dressed Oba - Bini Edo The Kingdom of Benin, south of present-day Nigeria, is renowned for its magnificent statuettes and its terracotta sculptures. These works constitute one of the greatest treasures of humanity and are among the masterpieces in museums around the world. The palace of the Oba, where the sumptuous royal shrines were located, was considered the center of the capital and of the kingdom. Benin art is unquestionably royal art. Its stewardship was the responsibility of one of the three orders in power, Iwebo (the other two being Iweguae and Ibiwe). This order was responsible for the king's adornments and personal effects. Many artisan guilds were affiliated with this order. They worked mainly for the king and could not carry out commissions for other clients unless authorized by the crown. Bronze founders, ivory sculptors, weavers, tailors, and leather artisans are some of the guilds led by the Iwebo. Triadic representations show the Oba surrounded by two men who support his arms and hands; this underscores the fact that the king could not govern or fulfill his duties alone. This traditional setup reflects the typical way in which the king and dignitaries were positioned during ceremonies.

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