The ownership of this object was transferred to Nigeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) in November 2022.
A copper alloy plaque, known as an Ama. Benin City. Ama are visual representations of important events in the Kingdom’s history. They ensure that these events are remembered across the generations. Plaques like this covered the walls of the Royal Palace. This plaque represents an encounter between Benin Chief Uwangue, and Portuguese traders, who are depicted to his left and right. Made by Igun Eronmwon guildmembers (bronze and brass casters).
This plaque from Benin in the south-west of Nigeria is one of several in the African Worlds gallery. The curator of the National Museum of Benin, Joseph Eboreime, helped the Horniman's own curators to research and interpret the plaques when they were first put into the gallery in 1999.
