The kingdom of Benin was at the epicentre of the largest historical empire ever established in the 'rainforest belt' of West Africa. Today it is part of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and it looks to compete with the most modern states of Africa while losing none of its unique heritage. Weighing in at a hefty 1.6kg and 608 pages in a slipcase measuring 29 x 36cm, we have a rare 2020 first edition published in Nigeria. It begins with the growth of an African civilisation, the origin of Benin and its monarchy, the establishment of the Oranmiyan-Eweka dynasty from Oba Oranmiyan to Oba Ewuare II, kingdom to empire building 1440-1897, the administrative and political structure, military organisation, religious practices including the origin of worship at Holy Aruosa Cathedral, economy and society, artistic and hand-crafted artifacts, antiquities and other arts, heroines and queen mothers of the Benin kingdom, the last king of independent Benin, the resilience and grandeur of royalty and the philosopher and diplomat kings who followed. The epilogue even covers human trafficking and the traditional and diplomatic fight against modern slavery. As you turn the huge pages of this remarkable coffee table book you will see a leopard head hip ornament in brass from the 16th century, ornate brass heads and memorial sculptures, archive photographs, a table of the evolution of Benin Chieftaincy titles, and Chiefs in traditional costumes with beads and decorated robes of the finest materials. Presiding over all these historical and cultural riches is His Royal Majesty Omo N'Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin and current representative of the remarkable royal dynasty that weaves together this nation and its peoples. Written by the finest Nigerian scholars and essayists in the most beautifully produced and lavishly illustrated book on the culture of Benin and Africa in general. Blood red satin pagemarker, gold foil title, slipcased and with hundreds of colour illustrations. 608pp.
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