West Africa

Description

A collection of extraordinary plaques, seized as loot during the colonial aggression that ended the powerful Benin Empire in 1897, depict life in the African kingdom's royal court at its height. In this program art historian Gus Casely-Hayford travels to legendary Timbuktu, the Great Mosque of Djenn, the Oba Royal Palace, and Dogon country to learn more about how the plaques were made and what they reveal about the continent's sophisticated pre-colonial civilizations. In addition, Casely-Hayford meets with local historians, village elders, and craftspeople from hereditary guilds still using an ancient mix of metallurgical skill and spiritual practice to create traditional works of art.

Runtime

48 min

Series

Subjects

Geography

Genre

Date of Publication

[2011], c2009

Database

Films on Demand

Direct Link

Similar Films

Baalbek. Roman temple complex
Tomb of Tutankhamun Valley of the Kings Egypt
Roman/Neolithic Period to Modern Day. Timelines of Ancient Civilizations
Great falls
Landmarks --ancient Egypt. Time and place. Episode 1
Landmarks --ancient Egypt. Pyramids and temples. Buildings. Episode 4
Age of Bronze and Iron
Decoding Hieroglyphics
The Fabulous Centers of Hellenism. Secrets of Archaeology
Jason and the Golden Fleece
Egypt—The Temple of Karnak, Lost Civilizations
Blood of the Vikings, The Last of the Vikings
The Cities of Pharaohs. Secrets of Archaeology
Trier, Germany. The Oldest German City
Civilization's Progress