“The wealth of historiographic resources, the command of relevant literature, the ethnographic research and prudent use of oral traditions give this work a high degree of . . . intellectual excitement. . . . a landmark in the field.” – Warren d’Azevedo
In the mid-17th century in Benin, a crisis in royal succession threatened the legitimacy of the ruling dynasty. Not until the 18th century were Benin’s reigning monarchy secure from the challenge of powerful local chiefs. Surprisingly, the period of social and political turmoil coincides with a period of striking artistic innovation and achievement. Making use of archival and oral resources in this extensively researched book, Paula Girshick Ben-Amos questions to what extent art operates as political strategy. How do objects acquire political meaning? How does the use of art enhance and embody power and authority? Girshick Ben-Amos demonstrates that it is possible to tease out the political meaning of material objects and thereby illuminate the connections between art and politics. In the case of 18th-century Benine, art and imagery performed a strategic function as instruments of legitimisation. A full appreciation of Benin’s extraordinary artistic creation is made possible by this probing exploration of the social environment and historical circumstances that brought it into existence.