Publication Date: 2023/07/24
Abstract: Documentation of Benin art is mostly focused on the antiquated objects. While some of the literature concentrate on the history and reparation, others focus on materials, methods, and museology. None however, is directed towards the new forms emerging from the contemporary bronze casters of Benin. Consequently, the new forms are not given proper attention, and the contemporary bronze casters remain anonymous, waiting to be exposited through art historical documentation. This study was designated to document the Aigbe group of bronze casters in Benin, with a view to identify new forms emerging from the group, and to spot their similarities and dissimilarities with the antiquated objects. The study was earmarked to unearth how the guild system of apprenticeship has expanded to include new membership; to ascertain the level of sponsorship received (if any), and to determine the level of advancement of the work of the group through the adoption of modern technology. Adopting the descriptive non-experimental design, the field study employed the art historical method of inquiry in the humanities, and the approach was basically contextual.
Keywords: Cire Perdue, Guild, Heritage, Reparation, Restitution, Dynasty, Bronze.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8188327
PDF: https://ijirst.demo4.arinfotech.co/assets/upload/files/IJISRT23JUL848.pdf
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