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
Keeping the Past Alive
Students read about the oral histories of West Africa and complete related activities. In this oral histories lesson, students read about the importance of oral customs in African cultures. Students interview a family member about oral...
Art Institute of Chicago
Lesson Plan: A Writer’s Odyssey
Looking for a fresh approach to an end-of-unit project for The Odyssey? Check out a resource that has class members write their own hero's journey short story and then craft an illustration that depicts their tale. Apollonio di...
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
A Nation of Nations Lesson Plan: Charting African Ethnicities in America
Pupils read a portion of the narrative, The Transatlantic Slave Trade, to explain the ethnic origins of enslaved Africans brought to the US. They create charts and bar graphs comparing ethnicities in the lowlands and tidewater regions.
Curated OER
Artist Unknown
Young scholars 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
Africa Map Quiz
In this online interactive geography quiz worksheet, learners respond to 53 identification questions about the countries of Africa. Students have 6 minutes to complete the quiz.
Curated OER
Cultural Patrimony: What Belongs to Whom?
Cultural patrimony is a fascinating topic for your students to explore.
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]
University of Pennsylvania
University of Pennsylvania: Republic of Benin
Provides a country map, travel advisories, link to Benin embassy in U.S.,facts about the Republic of Benin, and more.
Travel Document Systems
Tds: Benin: History
A brief discussion of Benin's early history. A majority of the information is on its recent history since 1972, including the most recent elections in 2007. Information is from the U.S. State Dept. Background Notes.
Countries and Their Cultures
Countries and Their Cultures: Benin
Provides an overview of the culture of Benin. Gives basic information on topics such as geography, ethnic makeup, languages, symbolism, economy, food, customs, social stratification, family life, education, religion, politics, etc....
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...
BBC
Bbc: Benin Profile
This profile provides a concise overview of Benin's history, culture, and economy in addition to information concerning Benin's leaders and media. Links to related articles are also featured.
Digital History
Digital History: The Black Man's African Past [Pdf]
Read the narrative of Oladuah Equiano (or Gustavas Vassa) who described the culture of Benin as he was growing up in mid-18th century. On this site there is also a brief, general history of Africa at this time. [pdf]
Michigan State University
Michigan State University: Global Edge: Benin: Introduction
Complete guide to the statistics, history, economy, culture, politics, and demographics for the West African country of Benin.
Encyclopedia of Earth
Encyclopedia of Earth: Benin
Provides an overview of Benin, including its geography, natural resources, history, government, economy, and much more. Maps and images are also included, along with sources used to create the entry.
Nations Online Project
Nations Online: Benin
Features a colorful destination guide to Benin which is located in Western Africa. Provides background details, a country profile, and numerous links to comprehensive information on the nation's culture, history, geography, economy,...
CRW Flags
Flags of the World: Benin
This site has a large flag of Benin with a history of the flag and a description of the country coat of arms.
Association of Religion Data Archives
Association of Religion Data Archives: National Profiles: Benin
Learn about religion in Benin, in this Association of Religion Data Archives country profile, which includes general facts, history, and religious data.
Lin and Don Donn
Africa for Kids: The Ancient Forest Kingdom of Benin
This site is aimed at primary aged children and is written in appropriate language. There are links to sound files and further resources.
Ducksters
Ducksters: Geography for Kids: Benin
Explore the history, capital, flag, climate, terrain, people, economy, and population of Benin on this site.
Curated OER
Flag of Benin
Explore the geography, history, government and facts of Benin. Maps and current flag are included.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Benin Ivory Mask
The British Museum provides the history behind its Benin Ivory Mask from the 15th Century.