Great thanks, Augustine.
Even if the account of who made the gate were factual, which I doubt, that gate is powerfully emblazoned by a prime marker of UK identity, the UK's Royal Coat of Arms.
Even if the building I am referring to at the palace of the Oba of Benin were also visually defined in that way by the symbols of the Oba, it would not diminish the problems represented by the building.
Even if the account of who made the gate were factual, which I doubt, that gate is powerfully emblazoned by a prime marker of UK identity, the UK's Royal Coat of Arms.
Even if the building I am referring to at the palace of the Oba of Benin were also visually defined in that way by the symbols of the Oba, it would not diminish the problems represented by the building.
from
Alltimepost.com
I am not disturbed by the makeover of the gate leading to the Oba's palace, another new structural development at the palace, also marked by symbols of power, particularly since that gate has at its side a glorious ikhimwin, the tree used as a spiritual portal and boundary marker in Benin culture, in this instance enclosed within an ornate fence shaped by royal symbols of authority, even as the style of the gate may not in all instances derive from traditions of Benin metalworking.
I am not disturbed by the makeover of the gate leading to the Oba's palace, another new structural development at the palace, also marked by symbols of power, particularly since that gate has at its side a glorious ikhimwin, the tree used as a spiritual portal and boundary marker in Benin culture, in this instance enclosed within an ornate fence shaped by royal symbols of authority, even as the style of the gate may not in all instances derive from traditions of Benin metalworking.
Eating fast food may suggest deviations from African culinary styles, but are African dishes not also served in such places? Even if the food is not African, how possible is it to do without participating in offerings from various cultures?
What bothers me in this issue is the wholesale importation of neo-classical architecture into such a strategic location in the Oba's palace, a focal point of Benin culture.
I did not observe any innovation in the appearance of this building, no effort to develop something suggesting perhaps a contribution of Benin architecture and aesthetics to the neo-classical importation.
Susanne Wenger and her artistic group created shrines at the Oshun forest in Oshogbo that blend Yoruba aesthetics of landscape and Yoruba conceptions of the sacred with new ways of representing spirit in such contexts, an achievement represented particularly iconically by the Ogboni shrine house, Iledi Ontoto, if I recall the name correctly.
If one is to integrate the non-African into an African cultural centre, is that not the kind of direction in which one should be going?
Something might not be quite right in the manner in which that building at the Oba's palace was conceived.
Were the experts in Benin and African arts and architecture consulted?
Iyase-Odozi, whose work is inspired by Benin textiles, Peju Lawiyola, whose artistic pedigree is rooted in her mother's art as a daughter on an Oba, if I recall correctly, Charles Gore, author of a book on Benin shrines, Ndubuisi Ezeluomba, who has published on Benin mud art, Paula Ben Amos, who has published on various aspects of Benin art, Phylis Galembo, who has made superb pictures of priests and priestesses in Benin traditional religion, Norma Rosen, author of a wonderful article on Olokun symbolism, and more.
Iyase-Odozi, whose work is inspired by Benin textiles, Peju Lawiyola, whose artistic pedigree is rooted in her mother's art as a daughter on an Oba, if I recall correctly, Charles Gore, author of a book on Benin shrines, Ndubuisi Ezeluomba, who has published on Benin mud art, Paula Ben Amos, who has published on various aspects of Benin art, Phylis Galembo, who has made superb pictures of priests and priestesses in Benin traditional religion, Norma Rosen, author of a wonderful article on Olokun symbolism, and more.
I doubt if such experts, in different parts of the world, being adequately mobilized in relation to this project, that the consensus would have been the current outcome of stark importation of neoclassical architecture into the structure leading into the Oba's chambers.
The liturgy of the Holy Aruosa Cathedral in Benin is described by one view as an adaptation of Christianity to Benin culture but the architecture of the cathedral is certainly not an importation of such classics of Western architecture as the Gothic cathedrals of Amiens, Notre Dame, Canterbury and others. It is distinctively Benin in its own style of own dramatising spatial grandeur.
thanks
toyin
On Thu, 24 Nov 2022 at 08:01, 'Augustine Togonu-Bickersteth' via USA Africa Dialogue Series <usaafricadialogue@googlegroups.com> wrote:
I think i understand your pain but i am reliably informed that the gate tobucking am palace here in London was made by blacksmiths from awka.i understand your pain to some extent having spotted an oba stepping out of his luxury car into a fast food joint, junk food!--On Wed, Nov 23, 2022 at 6:56 PM Oluwatoyin Adepoju <ovdepoju@gmail.com> wrote:Visiting the palace of the Oba of Benin in October 2022 I was puzzled to find that the first building one encounters as one enters the chambers of the Oba has been redone in the style of Western neo-classical architecture, employing that style's pillars evoking grandeur,a sense of grandeur that may be understood as fitting for a monarch.I was puzzled.What is the direct connection between neo-classicism-the emulation of Ancient Greek and Roman culture- and Benin culture?None.Will any Western monarch employ traditional Benin architecture in constructing their own palace,talk less such proud Asians as the Chinese, the Japanese and the Indians whose unique architectural forms are among humanity's great achievements?An idea even unthinkable by those people, so proudly and potently shaped they are by their own cultures.In order to experience the grandeur of Benin architecture, one needs to appreciate the ancient walls of the palace of the Oba of Benin that still stand and the shrines visible there.To see this architectural style in its unvarnished glory, however, one has to go to the palaces of such chiefs under the Oba as the Esogban of Benin in GRA and a palace on Siloko Road, near Ehaekpen junction, which is carefully maintained and beautified while keeping the lines, colors and visual symbols of traditional Benin architecture.I've been so pained on this subject particularly since I was so well received in my visits to the palace of the Oba of Benin in October and November 2020.How do I express my dismay on this subject in the context of my admiration for Benin culture?--
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