Asked by Wylie Ludwigs on Jun 16, 2024
Verified
Which component of the royal ancestral shrine of the Benin represents both the kings and the enduring nature of kingship?
A) Elephant-tusk carvings
B) Copper-alloy bells
C) Carved wood rattle-staffs
D) Copper-alloy heads
Royal Ancestral Shrine
A shrine dedicated to the worship and commemoration of deceased monarchs and their ancestors, significant in various cultures for honoring royal lineage.
Elephant-Tusk Carvings
Sculptural artworks crafted from the ivory of elephant tusks, often seen in African and Asian cultures as symbols of wealth and status.
Copper-Alloy Heads
Sculptural heads made from copper alloys, such as bronze, commonly found in various ancient cultures and used for both religious and decorative purposes.
- Decode the cultural and symbolic significance embedded in traditional African art items.
- Understand the importance of ancestral and spiritual connections in African art.
Verified Answer
EA
erika asitimbayJun 20, 2024
Final Answer :
D
Explanation :
Copper-alloy heads in the royal ancestral shrine of the Benin are symbolic representations of the kings (Obas) and signify the continuity and enduring nature of kingship within the Benin culture. These heads are often placed on altars dedicated to individual Obas, serving as a material connection to the past and a representation of the royal lineage's permanence.
Learning Objectives
- Decode the cultural and symbolic significance embedded in traditional African art items.
- Understand the importance of ancestral and spiritual connections in African art.