Art Institute of Chicago
African Myths and Stories
Young historians discover African stories associated with a royal altar tusk from the Kingdom of Benin in Nigeria, read myths illustrated on the tusk, and write a story about the life of an oba using figures depicted on the tusk.
Curated OER
The Royal Art of Benin
Students investigate how the king of Benin used brass plaques to project an image of power to the people of Benin. They locate Benin on a map, explore various websites, and create a paper wall plaque that conveys symbols of power.
Curated OER
he History and Aesthetics of African Jewelry
Students study the jewelry from various groups from Africa. They identify and discuss the region Equatoria and the Yoruba and people from Benin and review the jewelry from this region. They make and pour a plaster of paris mold and...
Curated OER
African Popular Music
Students explore popular music of West Africa. In this musicians instructional activity, students complete listening tasks that challenge them to analyze the music of Oumou Sangare, Angelique Kidjo, and Baaba Maal.
Curated OER
Artist Unknown
Students examine how Lennie Gardner's process of discovery about his bronze mask parallels a personal discovery process. They receive an introduction to the art, history, and religion of Benin
Curated OER
Recommend a Book 2
In this book report worksheet, learners recommend a book to someone by completing 6 different statements about their selection. First, they describe the book's main subject and point. Then, students write one of the most interesting...
Art Institute of Chicago
Art Institute of Chicago: Benin: Kings and Rituals: Court Arts From Nigeria
Learn about the history of the royal art of the Benin Kingdom in Africa. An overview of the art is provided and with further explanation given according to themes. View maps and selected works of art. A video, charts, glossary, and a...
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Benin Ivory Mask
The British Museum provides the history behind its Benin Ivory Mask from the 15th Century.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: An Introduction to Africa's Arts and Cultures
The British Museum shares the background of its ancient pieces from Egypt, Aksum, ancient Ghana, Mali, Songhoy, Ile Ife, and the Benin kingdom. Also provided is information about its later pieces from the Asante Confederation, the...
University of Iowa
University of Iowa: Arts and Life in Africa: People Resources
Essential information on African countries and African peoples assembled by the University of Iowa.
Smithsonian Institution
National Museum of Africa Art: Ancient West African City of Benin
A photographic exhibit of art objects from Benin from the period of 1300 to 1897 C.E. Extensive commentary is given for each object. Requires Adobe Reader. [PDF]
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Kingdom of Ife: Sculptures From West Africa
Ife ( pronounced ee-feh) is today regarded as the spiritual heartland of the Yoruba people living in Nigeria, the Republic of Benin and their many descendants around the world. It is rightly regarded as the birthplace of some of the...
Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation
Guggenheim Museum: Africa: Western Africa
A simple explanation of the Western Africa region of Africa, with information on the cultural history and examples of artwork.