Introduction
The end of the nineteenth century is the period of the final partition of Africa between the European powers. European states demanded the immediate "salvation" of “savages” and bringing the noble atmosphere of the church Sunday schools to Africa. One of the latest British acquisitions was the State of Benin, the remains of the once mighty forest empire. The art of Benin was developed under the direct influence of the more ancient culture of Ife. In the XV-XVII centuries this art has reached its zenith. At this time (1400) Benin kingdom (which previously recognized the authority of the supreme ...
