Angkor and Benin

 The archaeological sites in Benin City and Angkor reveal the ancient history of these regions.  In Benin, there is benin plaque which presents different scenes like battles and court ceremonies with male figures.  An example of the historical evidence in Benin City is the Benin bronze which is known to be the art work of Ife or Owo. There is also a museum in the Benin City which contains historical and cultural artifacts for tourists’ attractions and provision of information based on art and culture. However, the Benin City experienced a ‘punitive expedition' when the British government destroyed the city and stole the goods from the Benin museum. There is a reconciliation between Benin and Britain to return the goods such as the bronze sculptures (Barley, Lovelock & Row, 2010). Similarly, Angkor's art and artistic expression focus on providing knowledge and education on the cultural legacy and assist people in securing the future.  Also, the museum serves the purpose of art education and preservation of ancient traditions.  Other similarities are that the art in both regions expresses religions which play an important role in their cultures. However,  the art in both regions is different in that Benin art is characterized by court art whereas  Angkor art comprises an ethnographic description   where material, culture are based on the indigenous people.  They also differ in religious beliefs in that Benin artwork is connected to the Roman Catholic Christianity whereas Angkor's artwork represents Hinduism and the temple was built for the Hindu God, Vishnu. Also, the king (oba) allowed only artisans in the city to perform art work (Stierlin, 1997). Up to date the royal art of Benin only allow the Yoruba people to perform the artwork.  On the other hand,   the Angkor king ruled the territory and other regions such as China and the Bay of Bengal. Angkor art work was an influence from Western art which gave rise to the Hindu art.    The Khmer people use the ancient religious ideas to re-construct the Angkor Wat. They build a wat that appears more real and which presents the Hindu Cosmology.  

 

Reference

Stierlin, H. (1997). Angkor and Khmer art. Bournemouth, Eng.: Parkstone.

Barley, N., Lovelock, K., & Row, M. (2010). The art of Benin. London: British Museum Press.