THE CONTRIBUTION OF INDIGENOUS TECHNOLOGY TO BENIN ECONOMY

ABSTRACT

The reason Benin is the first Nigerian city to have touch with the outside world is possibly because Benin artworks of art are more known than any other works of art in Nigeria. The first encounter took place in 1472 AD, during the reign of Oba Ewuare the Greatwhen Ruy de Sequeira led a Portuguese expedition.1 As a result of their initial interest in the kingdom and its inhabitants on the west coast of Africa, the Europeans made numerous further trips to the empire, which helped to solidify their first relationship. This encounter hadan impact on people's political, social, and economic lives. However, as seen by the empire's increased popularity, this was extremely advantageous to the Benins. This initial meeting catalysed the eventual colonisation and intrusion into the people's internal affairs. The British massacre and capture of Benin in 1897, which followed the assassination of Consul Philips and his party at Ughoton2 , was the final result of this. when he adamantly sought to speakwith Oba Ovonramwen, the Oba of Benin. No matter the great kingdom he claimed to represent, it was impossible to accept his request. The Oba asked his messenger to schedule a new meeting with Consul Philips while he was engaged in one of his most holy ceremonial rituals, during which no guests were permitted. However, Philips objected, claiming that Britain's servants were not to be denied access. Consul Philips and his group were brutally killed as a result. A punitive budget was built against Benin after the murder.3 Thousands of Benin sculptures were stolen by the British and sent to Europe and America. A total of 2,000 art artefacts were said to have been taken from the palace during this time.