hillary's+africa+exhibit



**Description** This brass head was Identified from the 18th century because of its detailed crown, and heavy weight ( because of more and better quality brass). Their collars did cover the chin area, unlike the old version they were bigger while in the earlier times the heads were much smaller and not as detailed. Also the three markings raised over each eye called //**ikharo**// distinguished if they were a man, women, or a foreigner. If it were a man in Benin there would be three beads above the eye, if it were a woman or foreigner there would be four beads above the eye. This specific head was determined as modern because of the emphasis of the outlined eyelids, hair, and ears. The swelling in the cheeks also showed the modern life style. Benin showed their their wealth through the years by these heads getting heavier and bigger. Showing how much more and better quality material they had. ** The Society of Benin ** Benin goes back to 1200 AD, during that time workers mined copper, iron, and gold. Benin's kings called obas sold slaves to African traders so they could be traded with food, clothing, or other goods. These slaves were forced to work as servants on the savannas. By the 1500s Benin had reached their best size and strength. The oba controlled a large army, priests, government workers, and local chiefs. Benin was the ruler of trade through north and south Africa. It ruled much of present day southern Nigeria. Benin was at the top till the late 1600s. The city of Benin was also the center of art. The kings hired skilled artist to make many beautiful objects from bronze, brass, ivory, and copper. ** Current Event of Benin **  Yayi Boni Wins Another Five-Year Term  Benin’s Constitutional Council this week declared President Boni Yayi as the winner of the March 13 2011 presidential elections in Benin, but his principal challenger is contesting the result, reports Fasozine. Publ. Date // : Wed, 23 Mar 2011 // // Current Event from // // http://www.child-sponsorship.com/benin_news.html //