Art and/or Ethnographica? The Reception of Benin Works from 1897–1935 (original) (raw)

The paper examines the historical reception of Benin works of art from their seizure by British forces in 1897 to their exhibition and collection practices in subsequent decades, particularly focusing on the classification of these pieces as ethnographic rather than artistic. It critiques the pervasive racism and prejudiced views that influenced the treatment and appreciation of African art in colonial contexts, highlighting the roles of various institutions and the implications for understanding the historical narrative surrounding Benin artworks.