080 Benin Plaque

This central cast brass plaque tells the story of the sixteenth century trading relationship between Portugal and the Kingdom of Benin in modern Nigeria. This trade was strictly managed by the Oba, Benin’s ruler, who is shown on this plaque flanked by two kneeling attendants. These officials are wearing belts decorated with crocodile heads, signalling that they were authorised by the Oba to communicate with the Portuguese. The two smaller heads above the Oba represent Portuguese traders.

The two separate plaques on either side of the central plaque also show European figures. They are both depicted carrying weapons —one holds a crossbow and three bolts, while the other carries a gun called a matchlock and wears a sword on his belt.

When the Portuguese first arrived in Benin in the fifteenth century they brought brass bracelets, known as manillas, to exchange for pepper, palm oil, ivory and slaves. The trader on the right of the central plaque is holding a manilla. Royal metal-casters working for the Oba melted the brass down to make plaques like this.

Historically, these plaques decorated the Oba’s palace, and were not seen outside Benin until the British invasion of 1897. When the British arrived the royal palace was being rebuilt. Some nine hundred brass plaques from the old building—including the ones in front of you now—were found half-buried in a storehouse. These had previously decorated the pillars and beams of the palace buildings. Look closely and you’ll see small holes where they were once nailed to the wooden pillars. They are a valuable document of life in Benin, and record the European encounter from an African perspective.