Benin art

Topics Year 4/5
This unit is part of Benin (900 to 1300CE) Everyday Life

Objectives

History

  • Understand how our knowledge of the past is constructed from a range of sources.
  • Undertake an in-depth study of a non-European society that provides contrasts with British history - The Benin civilisation.

D&T

  • Select from and use a wider range of tools and equipment to perform practical tasks accurately.
  • Select from and use a wider range of materials and components.

Art

  • Gain an increasing awareness of different kinds of art, craft and design.
  • Improve their mastery of art and design techniques, including drawing, painting and sculpture with a range of materials.

Lesson Planning

Understand that one of the most unique things about the Benin civilisation was their art. Explore their cast bronze objects. Understand that their art had symbolic meanings and were made by skilled craftsmen. Have a go at casting or making a hip mask, bell, or figurine and present them in an assembly.

Teaching Outcomes:

  • To find out about the symbolism in Benin art.
  • To plan and make replica pieces of art from Benin.
  • To make art in the style of Benin bronze-making.

Children will:

  • Use their knowledge of Benin artwork to design a replica
  • Sketch a design for an artwork
  • Make a model of a Benin artwork

You Will Need

  • Clay
  • Clay modelling tools
  • Water
  • A freezer