After setting Benin in its context of place and time, pupils tour a gallery of images which give them hints as to why Benin might be a significant society, worthy of study.
Having pooled their emerging ideas they are given 10 assertions as to why they are important. Pupils then have to place these on a spectrum of significance before arriving at their considered answers.
Learning objectives
- Pupils are able to locate Benin region of Nigeria on world map and the period when it was at its height on a pre-marked timeline containing other periods they have studied esp. Egypt
- Pupils grasp that this was a civilization of cities and towns, powerful kings and a large empire which traded over long distances.
- They learn that craftsmen were skilful in bronze and ivory.
- They learn to make deductions and inferences based on visual clues.
- They appreciate the religious belief systems such as the one to ensure good harvest.
- They learn that West Africa invented the smelting of copper and zinc ores and the casting of bronze as early as 10th century. Pupils realise that Benin still exists as a civilization with its Oba, palaces court, artist etc.
