The Kingdom of Benin in present-day Nigeria perfected lost-wax bronze casting for plaques and heads depicting obas and history. Trade with Europeans enhanced wealth while maintaining cultural autonomy. The empire's art and administration exemplified West African sophistication. British conquest later dispersed many artifacts.

Benin court poetry and oral histories complemented visual arts, preserving dynastic narratives. Influences appear in modern African art-poetry dialogues and critiques of colonial looting.